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Resilience in Very Advanced Ages: A Study With Centenarians
Ana Saraiva Amaral1,2,3, Rosa Marina Afonso1,4, Daniela Brandão4,5
156056 Department of Psychology and Education, University of Beira Interior (UBI), Covilhã, Portugal.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|June 2, 2020
Summary
Resilience in centenarians is linked to better health perception and less frequent pain, not sociodemographic factors or life events. Further research into resilience in extremely long-lived individuals is warranted.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Resilience is crucial for well-being, especially in extremely long-lived individuals.
- Understanding factors influencing resilience in centenarians is vital for promoting healthy aging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between resilience and sociodemographic, cognitive, health status, and significant life event variables in centenarians.
- To identify predictors of resilience in an extremely aged population.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 48 centenarians (mean age 100.8 years) was analyzed.
- A five-item resilience score was used, assessing aging and usefulness, hopefulness, worryness, loneliness, and control.
- Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to identify resilience predictors.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in resilience scores were found based on sociodemographic variables or life event types.
- Higher resilience was associated with better self-perceived health.
- Less frequent pain was significantly linked to higher resilience levels.
Conclusions:
- Health perception and pain frequency are key predictors of resilience in centenarians.
- Resilience is an important factor to consider in the study of extremely long-lived individuals.
- Further research on resilience in this demographic is recommended.
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