Kay Wilhelm1, Liesbeth Geerligs, Carmelle Peisah. 1. School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faces in the Street, St Vincent's Urban Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Abstract
AIM: We sought to understand strategies employed by baby boomers to maintain well-being and facilitate transition to later life. METHOD: A non-clinical cohort (n = 139) provided qualitative data about well-being strategies. Thematic data analysis provided insights for those with high and low life satisfaction (based on Satisfaction with Life Scale) and quantitative data from previous waves provided predictors of life satisfaction decades later. RESULTS: Longitudinal predictors were depression history (cognitive trait and repeated episodes) and quality of partner's care. 'Highly satisfied older people' reported proactive strategies, contrasted with lack of planning by 'dissatisfied older people'. 'Resilient older people', with high life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes, reported benefit from strategies dealing with adversity, including depression. DISCUSSION: Strategies of 'satisfied older people' support theories of proactive coping and demonstrate the importance of developing adaptational skills to support later life satisfaction. In 'resilient older people' adaptive strategies can lead to achievement of life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes.
AIM: We sought to understand strategies employed by baby boomers to maintain well-being and facilitate transition to later life. METHOD: A non-clinical cohort (n = 139) provided qualitative data about well-being strategies. Thematic data analysis provided insights for those with high and low life satisfaction (based on Satisfaction with Life Scale) and quantitative data from previous waves provided predictors of life satisfaction decades later. RESULTS: Longitudinal predictors were depression history (cognitive trait and repeated episodes) and quality of partner's care. 'Highly satisfied older people' reported proactive strategies, contrasted with lack of planning by 'dissatisfied older people'. 'Resilient older people', with high life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes, reported benefit from strategies dealing with adversity, including depression. DISCUSSION: Strategies of 'satisfied older people' support theories of proactive coping and demonstrate the importance of developing adaptational skills to support later life satisfaction. In 'resilient older people' adaptive strategies can lead to achievement of life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes.