Variations in well-being: Psychological resilience in later life

A common perception of older age is that of a life
characterised by loss and decline. Changes in health
status, social relationships, activities or income
pose a significant threat to the subjective
well-being of an older person. But contrary to this
viewpoint, for many older people their sense of
well-being is not affected, despite the influence of
age associated adversities. Exploring this well-being paradox is the focus of this book. It
critically examines how psychological resources are
an important source of resilience in older age. It
analyses how well-being may be maintained through the
effects of psychological resilience as an interpretive link , and how resilience may protect
against challenges associated with ageing. In doing
so, this book disputes many of the myths of older age.

Autorentext

Gill Windle PhD is a Research Fellow with the Institute of
Medical and Social Care Research at Bangor University. Her
research interests are in health promotion, mental health and
resilience in later life; the interplay between the individual
and their physical, social and environmental contexts and the
effects on well-being.

Klappentext

A common perception of older age is that of a life
characterised by loss and decline. Changes in health
status, social relationships, activities or income
pose a significant threat to the subjective
well-being of an older person. But contrary to this
viewpoint, for many older people their sense of
well-being is not affected, despite the influence of
age associated adversities. Exploring this
'well-being paradox' is the focus of this book. It
critically examines how psychological resources are
an important source of resilience in older age. It
analyses how well-being may be maintained through the
effects of psychological resilience as an
'interpretive link', and how resilience may protect
against challenges associated with ageing. In doing
so, this book disputes many of the myths of older age.