A cross-sectional network analysis of successful aging in a resilience-based framework
Lotte P Brinkhof1,2,3, K Richard Ridderinkhof1,2,3, Sanne de Wit1,2,3
1Deptartment of Psychology, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Plos One
|January 15, 2025
Summary
Successful aging hinges on resilience, not the absence of stressors. This study reveals how various risk and protective factors interact to influence mental well-being and quality of life in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Aging presents numerous challenges impacting mental well-being and quality of life.
- Resilience is crucial for navigating these challenges and achieving successful aging.
- Understanding the interplay of risk and protective factors is key to promoting well-being in later life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the intersection of resilience and successful aging.
- To investigate how resilience capacity-promoting (protective) and capacity-reducing (risk) factors relate to mental well-being and quality of life.
- To identify unique pathways through which these factors influence outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Large-scale network analysis (N = 2000, age 55+).
- Examination of 30 diverse factors including demographics, health, stress, lifestyle, coping, personality, and ageism.
- Interpretation of findings within a resilience-based framework for successful aging.
Main Results:
- Identified unique pathways linking various risk and protective factors to mental well-being and quality of life.
- Demonstrated the complex interplay between factors across different domains.
- Highlighted the significance of resilience in mediating the impact of stressors on older adults.
Conclusions:
- Successful aging is complex, influenced by a multitude of interacting risk and protective factors.
- Resilience plays a pivotal role in maintaining mental well-being and quality of life in older age.
- Findings support the development of multi-pronged interventions targeting both risk and protective factors simultaneously to enhance outcomes for older individuals.
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