By: Jennifer Beach, LSW, MA, C-SWCM
Steve is 75 and has several comorbidities including COPD, chronic back issues/pain despite several back surgeries and procedures, ongoing difficulties with mobility, and high blood pressure, to name a few. None of that stops him.
Two months ago, he and his wife decided to take a trip to see friends in another state. It was their first time traveling on an airplane in many years and they thought carefully through all the travel arrangements. The evening he arrived at his friend’s home, unfortunately, Steve fell and broke his hip.
After surgery and a rehab stay for about 20 days, he was able to get back on a plane and make the long journey home to finish his recovery. Not the vacation he was planning! Nevertheless, he is looking forward to and planning several fun events this summer. Who knows what’s next? Nothing seems to be off the board for Steve. He has resilience.
I keep reading, hearing and learning about resilience and the difference it makes in individuals’ lives, to not only live longer but to live longer better.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress.” The association further notes that, “as much as resilience involves ‘bouncing back’ from these difficult experiences, it can also involve profound personal growth.”
Resilience is not simply the ability to survive a difficult experience, but the ability to adapt and cope with circumstances in a way that enables one to emerge stronger, to thrive in the aftermath, and to integrate the lessons learned. These are traits that can be learned and can influence positive aging, including health and wellness as they relate to aging.
The top 10 characteristics of resilience include:
- A growth mindset: Viewing setbacks as learning opportunities
- Internal locus of control: Taking accountability & responsibility for one’s own actions
- Self-worth: Resting in one’s quiet confidence of one’s value as a human being
- Grit: Working toward a passion or goal with perseverance
- Courage: Acting despite fear
- Optimism: Looking for the good in situations & others
- Sense of meaning: Seeing personal answers to the why’s of life
- Self- Compassion: Treating self the same as one would treat others
- Community & Support: Sustaining and supporting one another through tough times
- Humor: Laughing at self and life dampens feelings or stress and anxiety
Resilience is not simply a set of personal characteristics one is born with; it’s an adaptive process that can be learned. There are things we can do to cultivate resilience:
- Engage in new activities
- Cultivate new friendships or join a social group
- Accept that some things are out of your control and act on the things you can affect
- Practice stress-management techniques
- Develop a spiritual practice like prayer, meditation, yoga or mindful journaling
- Maintain perspective; don’t let your thoughts run away with you
- Practice self-care through proper nutrition, regular exercise and good sleep habits
- Volunteer
- Ask for help when you need it
- Look for the lessons you can learn from the situation
If you were to talk with Steve today, he would share the story of his most recent vacation with disappointment, pain, and humor… and then he would talk about what he is going to be doing next with interest and excitement. A great example of resilience.
In the words of Victor Frankl: “What is to give light must endure burning.”
Original Article: https://www.northeastohioboomer.com/blogs/resilience-matters/