Resilience, selective optimisation and compensation (SOC), and well-being in community dwelling older adults

Aim:The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between resilience and subjective well-being in a sample of older Australians living independently in a regional community. The findings of previous research have been inferred upon older age groups, often without sufficient evidence to suggest validity or relevance. Of particular concern are the effects that both gender and previous life stressors may have on resilience in older adults. The question of how these might interact with ageing remains unanswered. This study explores the influence of gender and life stress on resilience for participants in the young-old, old-old, and oldest-old sub-groups. The relative contributions of resilience and the selective optimization with compensation model of ageing as predictors of subjective well-being in later life are also explored. Method:Convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit 80 independent, community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and over. Demographic items including questions about positive and negative life events and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Satisfaction With Life Scale, the short version of the SOC Questionnaire and the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument were interviewer-administered to all participants. Results:The psychometric properties of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale are presented and discussed in relation to an overall understanding of resilience and subjective well-being in later life. The effects of gender and life stress on resilience are presented for participants in the young-old, old-old, and oldest-old sub-groups. The relative contributions of resilience and the selective optimization with compensation model of ageing as predictors of subjective well-being in later life are also assessed.Conclusion:This study contributes to research on factors associated with resilience and well-being in Australia’s ageing population. The results are discussed in relation to understanding factors which lead to positive and successful ageing.