Resilience in Elders of the Sardinian Blue Zone: An Explorative Study

Maria Fastame,Paul Hitchcott,Maria Penna,Ilaria Mulas,Marilena Ruiu

doi:10.3390/bs8030030

Maria Fastame, Paul Hitchcott + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/bs8030030

Copy DOI

Abstract

Background: older adults from the Sardinian Blue Zone self-report low depressive symptoms and high psychological well-being. However, the role of dispositional resilience as a determinant of these characteristics is unknown. Objectives: the current study had three aims. First, to investigate associations among several putative predictors, including dispositional resilience and three established markers of positive and negative mental health. Second, to determine if gender differences in dispositional resilience, independent of age and cognitive impairment, are present in this population. Third, to examine the relative importance of the predictors of self-reported mental health and well-being. Methods: 160 elders were recruited in the Sardinian Blue Zone. The participants completed self-report measures of dispositional resilience, satisfaction with social ties, physical health, depressive symptoms, and psychological well-being. Results: trait resilience was significantly associated with predictors and markers of mental health. Males had significantly greater trait resilience. In regression analyses, dispositional resilience and satisfaction with social ties were significant predictors of all markers of mental health. Other factors were significantly associated only with certain markers. Conclusions: trait resilience and strong social ties appear to be key determinants of the high mental health of Sardinian Blue Zone older adults.

Highlights

Many physical and psychological abilities decline during late adulthood, considerable individual differences have been observed
Individuals scoring low on such scales show poor adaptation to, and recover slowly from, stressors [24,25]. These findings extend to older adults in whom it has been shown that, in the face of both major and daily stressors, high resilience is associated with better well-being and affect [26]
The current study aims were to examine: (1) the associations among dispositional resilience and satisfaction about relationships with family members and friends and self-reported indices of physical and mental health; (2) the possible gender differences in resilience; and, (3) the relative importance of resilience, satisfaction with relationships, perceived physical health, general cognitive efficiency, and various socio-demographic characteristics as predictors of mental health and well-being

Summary

Introduction

Many physical and psychological abilities decline during late adulthood, considerable individual differences have been observed. A subset of older adults shows superior functioning across multiple domains, such as physical and cognitive health, a state termed ‘successful ageing’ [1]. There is no universally accepted definition or metric of successful ageing, there is growing acceptance of the importance of its psychological components. Low levels of depressed mood, motivation and morale, and, high levels of life satisfaction, autonomy, and purpose in life are considered important indicators of a person’s ability to cope with the inevitable challenges and losses that are associated with later life. An extensive literature showing that these characteristics are associated with a pattern of superior physical, psychological, social functioning, and even longevity [2,3,4], underscores this view

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion