Variations in Well-Being: Psychological Resilience in Later Life

A common perception of older age is that of a lifecharacterised by loss and decline. Changes in healthstatus, social relationships, activities or incomepose a significant threat to the subjectivewell-being of an older person. But contrary to thisviewpoint, for many older people their sense ofwell-being is not affected, despite the influence ofage associated adversities. Exploring this'well-being paradox' is the focus of this book. Itcritically examines how psychological resources arean important source of resilience in older age. Itanalyses how well-being may be maintained through theeffects of psychological resilience as an'interpretive link', and how resilience may protectagainst challenges associated with ageing. In doingso, this book disputes many of the myths of older age. Gill Windle PhD is a Research Fellow with the Institute ofMedical and Social Care Research at Bangor University. Herresearch interests are in health promotion, mental health andresilience in later life; the interplay between the individualand their physical, social and environmental contexts and theeffects on well-being.