A Unified Model of Resilience and Aging: Applications to COVID-19

Abstract

Drawing on multidisciplinary research focusing on a spectrum ranging from individual experience to structural system-level risk response and resilience, this article develops a rationale for a Unified Model of Resilience and Aging (UMRA). In response to a broad range of adversities associated with aging, it details the ways in which some individuals are able to bounce back better than others, or adapt better than expected, termed resilience. However, resilience and aging theoretical models have developed out of different disciplinary developments, ranging from individual levels to structural level complex systems, including several gerontological theoretical models addressing adaptation to life course and aging processes. The article reviews and synthesizes prior conceptual and theoretical work, and their empirical groundings, in order to develop an integrated resilience model with wide applications to aging-related problems including chronic illness, mental health, widowhood, poverty, caregiving burden, etc. The article focuses specifically on COVID-19 pandemic risk, response and resilience in order to specify applications of the UMRA, and to suggest avenues for future research and testing of theoretical axioms.

Older Adults and Social Isolation and Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrated Review of Patterns, Effects, and Interventions

“…In this review, the findings on protective factors for social isolation and loneliness were limited, with the exception of several interpersonal protective elements (e.g., satisfaction with communication, social support). Further research would benefit from a greater focus on the strengths and resilience of older adults in the face of adverse circumstances (Wister et al, 2022).…”

“…Finally, a complex systems resilience framework focuses attention on fostering the strengths of individuals, families, and communities; for example, some Indigenous reserve communities have utilized strong community connections and leadership to support pandemic mitigation strategies even though health care resources tend to be weaker (National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools & National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health, 2020). The complex systems resilience framework helps to identify the weaknesses and strengths in nested ecological systems that influence risk and response to social isolation among older adults during the pandemic (Klasa, Galaitsi, Wister & Linkov, 2021; Pearman, Hughes, Smith, & Neupert, 2021; Wister, Klasa & Linkov, 2022).…”

Mapping domains of early-life determinants of future multimorbidity across three UK longitudinal cohort studies

“…Acting on these wider combinations of determinants from across childhood will not just improve health outcomes but have further intermediate benefits, such as narrowing social, environmental and health inequalities in childhood that may be on the pathway to health outcomes in adulthood. Conceptually multiple combined risk factors might lead to greater risk of single disease outcomes such as cardiovascular disease [22,23], however the concept of developing methods for capturing the multidimensional nature of risk of multiple disease outcomes such as multimorbidity is a field of growing interest and research [24,25]. This mapping and characterisation of variables that relate to early life risk domains of multimorbidity can provide a step towards understanding and promoting population-level action to prevent or delay the burden of multimorbidity.…”

Cumulative trauma: The intersection between continuous security threats and the COVID-19 pandemic among Israeli older adults.

“…Importantly, some participants accounted for their resilience via their being accustomed to living in emergency situations and following regulations to protect themselves, which in their eyes explained their adherence to COVID-19 guidelines. In support of Wister et al (2022), it would be worthwhile resuming the discussion on the positive effects of continuous traumatic stress, as it adds an explicit salutogenic perspective on cumulative trauma. This notion could be a valuable addition to psychological stress theories.…”