Positive aging-How does it work? : Contribution of resilience to the prevention of depressive disorders in old age

Abstract

Although the prevalence of depressive disorders in old age is high, many older people succeed in staying healthy despite age-related stressors. The individual resilience or mental power of resistance can explain these differences. It is shown how resilience factors or strategies of healthy aging can be used for the primary prevention of depressive disorders in old age. The article summarizes the practically relevant age-specific aspects of resilience obtained through anarrative literature search and evaluates the relevant state of knowledge, also with respect to the consecutive development of primary preventive measures to avoid depressive disorders. Individual psychological strategies for promoting resilience include "stay active", and "mindfulness towards positive things", social strategies "remain socially connected" and "acceptance of support options". In addition to this individual level, which aims at every single person, the social dimension of resilience also includes strategies that start at the social level. Above all, this includes the esteem of older people in society as well as improved opportunities for participation. Age-specific aspects of resilience can be specifically used for the prevention of depressive disorders in old age. They enable aframework to establish resource-promoting and activating interventions, to counteract the deficit perspective on ageing. At the same time, there are clear limits to individual prevention and resilience. The responsibility cannot be seen solely for each individual but above all social structures and framework conditions must enable successful implementation in old age.