Gratitude, Wellbeing, and Prosocial Behavior in Elderly People

A general attitude of gratitude towards life seems to be a crucial factor for a positive psychosocial adjustment of older adults. The study presented in this chapter underlines the role that gratitude plays for active elders in engaging in prosocial behaviors within the circle of close relationships and the broader social community. In particular, the study shows that the experience of gratitude allows older people to extend the range of activities carried out for the benefit of others: grateful individuals provide help in relation not only to those who have previously provided help to them, but also to others