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Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Understanding adversity and resilience at older ages
Zoe Hildon1, Glenn Smith, Gopalakrishnan Netuveli
1CORE Clinical Health Psychology, University College London, London. z.hildon@ucl.ac.uk
Sociology of Health & Illness
|May 1, 2008
Summary
Older adults build resilience by using social and individual resources to maintain life continuity during adversity. Vulnerable individuals experienced more severe adversities, impacting their resilience.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Adversity and resilience are critical factors influencing quality of life in older adults.
- Understanding protective mechanisms is key to supporting healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between adversity and resilience in individuals aged 70-80.
- To explore the dynamics of protection and coping strategies employed during challenging life events.
Main Methods:
- Mixed-methods approach using questionnaires, activity diaries, and life grid interviews.
- Quantitative data on quality of life (CASP-19) and qualitative exploration of adversity experiences.
- Purposive sampling of 32 individuals based on resilient (good quality of life) and vulnerable (poor quality of life) outcomes.
Main Results:
- Resilient participants utilized social and individual resources for continuity, including narrative reinterpretation, maintaining valued roles, and established coping strategies.
- Strong social support from close relationships was a significant protective factor.
- Vulnerable participants reported more severe adversities, indicating a dose-response relationship between adversity impact and resilience.
Conclusions:
- Resilience in older adults is facilitated by leveraging resources that provide stability and continuity amidst life changes.
- The severity and impact of adversity play a crucial role in determining an individual's capacity for resilience.
- Interventions could focus on strengthening social connections and adaptive coping mechanisms to enhance resilience in aging populations.
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