In addition to family and friends, older adults talked of the importance of participating in social causes that advocate for peace, justice, and care of the environment. They spoke of the personal sense of freedom that came from developing new purposes and possibilities. Instead of living a leisurely life free of responsibilities, they had social purposes and goals, welcoming new possibilities into their lives. Ome woman in Bianchi's (2005) study shared, "My aches and pains are less important than my agenda" (p. 325).