Reflecting on death: Priorities for living well

The positive death movement has popularized considering one's mortality. Stemming from this, Before I Die Walls erected globally prompt individual reflection on life goals, considering life's finitude. The aims of the study: (i) examined relative extent of three categories of responses to a Before I Die task, moderated by age, and (ii) tested whether purpose in life is associated with categories of Before I Die responses, moderated by age. Young, middle aged and older adults (N = 195) completed a Before I Die task (BID) and several measures including a purpose in life scale. BID task responses were reliably card-sorted into theoretically derived categories. Findings show responses most frequently represent living an Accomplished and Productive Life. Having higher purpose was related to focus on an Accomplished and Productive Life for younger adults. Before I Die walls may be a useful activity allowing adults to generate goals aligned with living well.