Resilient Ageing: A Concept Analysis Using the Walker and Avant Method

Abstract

Populations are ageing rapidly, and older people encounter accumulating adversity, including illness, bereavement and functional decline. Resilient ageing is increasingly proposed as a dynamic alternative to static models of healthy or successful ageing, but it is used inconsistently across disciplines and overlaps with related concepts, which limits its usefulness for nursing practice and research. This concept analysis aimed to refine the concept of resilient ageing, distinguish it from other ageing concepts and provide a definition that can guide research, practice and evaluation. The method of Walker and Avant was followed. Literature published between 2014 and 2024 was retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar and CINAHL, together with dictionary definitions of ageing and resilience, and model, borderline and contrary cases were constructed to illustrate the concept. Three defining attributes were identified: adaptive capacity, sense of purpose and self-efficacy. Antecedents were adversity, positive attitude and protective factors such as proactive coping and accumulated life experience, while consequences were improved mental health and better quality of life. Resilient ageing was distinguished from healthy, successful, active and positive ageing by its dependence on adversity, and it was found to be attainable by older people living with illness or disability. It is defined as a dynamic process through which an older person, facing adversity, draws on adaptive capacity, purpose and self-efficacy to maintain or regain function and wellbeing. Resilient ageing can be strengthened over time, which makes it a modifiable target for nursing rather than a fixed personal characteristic. The analysis provides a basis for developing and validating measures, testing nursing interventions and building middle-range theory, ideally guided by a nursing framework such as the Roy Adaptation Model.