Resilience in Old Age: Social Relations as a Protective Factor

Abstract

Resilience has traditionally been addressed primarily in childhood and adolescence, yet it is a relevant concept across the life span. Because older adults face increased challenges, it is important to examine factors that may promote resilience in old age, particularly social relations. Participants older than age 65 years who had experienced six or more major negative life events during the past 12 years were selected from Wave 2 (2005) of the Social Relations and Health study (N = 99). Network size and spousal relationship quality were assessed as indicators of social relations. Regression analyses indicate that the young-old and Whites exhibited fewer depressive symptoms, but there were no gender differences. Similarly, there were no age or race differences in life satisfaction. However, men were more satisfied with their life than women. Larger network size was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and greater life satisfaction. Those who reported more positive characteristics in their spousal relationship had fewer depressive symptoms and more life satisfaction, whereas those who reported more negative characteristics in their spousal relationship reported more depressive symptoms and less life satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of addressing resilience in old age and suggests that social relations may be an important protective factor facilitating resiliency in late life.

This research was supported by the following grants: MH066876; AGO25651; T32HD007109-30.