Resilience and ageing.

Abstract

Resilience was a concept introduced in the study of responses and positive adaptation of people living in risky environments, contexts and situations that posed potential threats to normal development like poverty, disease and violence. Subsequently introduced in the study of developmental phenomena and processes that occur in all ages and stages of the life cycle, including the later stages. The resilience´s perspective has modified the previous model of aging that associated losses with a more comprehensive in that people have high levels of positive functioning, despite adverse circumstances, limitations and impairments. This conception is convergent with the approach of resilience and the idea that a resilient person is normal, isn´t exceptional. Two psychobiological processes support psychological resilience in old age: neuroplasticity and psychoneuroimmunology. To finish, are highlighted the personal resources and requirements called resilient contributing to successful aging, including longevity.