Resilience is a concept closely related to successful ageing. It indicates that people have managed to maintain physical, cognitive, and social health, and have made adaptations to maintain their quality of life. Positive emotions are relevant to the process of resilience and are particularly relevant in old age. Evidence indicates that older people pay more attention to emotionally positive stimuli than to negative ones.
This phenomenon contributes to safeguarding mental health and can be reinforced by professional intervention and well-being.
Other significant variables are positive self-concept, sense of self-efficacy, sense of control, spirituality, optimism, and good humour, which also contribute to problem solving and better tolerance of adversity. Engaging in physical activity such as walking benefits emotional health and increases levels of well-being. Social resources such as support from family and friends, as well as health and community care services, are essential for older people to compensate for losses and regain levels of functioning.
Source: Department of Clinical and Health Psychology of Madrid.
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