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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
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Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
Hardiness, successful aging, and HIV: implications for social work
David E Vance1, Thomas C Struzick, James Masten
1Center for Nursing Research, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1701 University Boulevard, Suite G010B, 35294-1210, USA. devance@uab.edu
Journal of Gerontological Social Work
|December 3, 2008
Summary
Successful aging with HIV is possible. This review explores hardiness, a psychological trait, as a key factor for older adults living with HIV to navigate challenges and thrive.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- HIV/AIDS treatment advancements have increased life expectancy, leading to a growing population of middle-aged and older adults living with HIV.
- There is limited understanding of the unique challenges and strengths, particularly psychological resilience, of this demographic.
- Successful aging literature highlights 'hardiness' as a crucial factor in navigating adversity and chronic illness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of hardiness in the context of aging and HIV.
- To emphasize the importance of hardiness in facilitating successful aging with HIV.
- To address conceptual and methodological issues in studying hardiness and successful aging in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing gerontological and HIV research.
- Exploration of the concept of hardiness and its relevance to aging with chronic disease.
- Discussion of conceptual and methodological challenges.
Main Results:
- Hardiness, characterized by commitment, control, and challenge, is a vital psychological resource for individuals aging with HIV.
- This resilience factor can significantly contribute to successful aging despite the complexities of living with HIV.
- Existing research has not fully explored the role of hardiness in this specific population.
Conclusions:
- Hardiness offers a framework for understanding and promoting successful aging among individuals living with HIV.
- Further research is needed to explore interventions that augment hardiness in people aging with HIV.
- Clinical implications for social work practice can be developed to support this population.
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