Preserving Engagement, Nurturing Resilience

Engagement and resilience constitute 2 psychological aspects of healthy aging that are commonly identified by many individuals as more important than health or longevity. Both of them play a crucial role in healthy aging. Social engagement enhances psychological well-being and improves physical and cognitive health outcomes. In times of adversity, resilience buffers the negative effects of stress and promotes return to baseline health and function. Strong resilience helps individuals become more engaged and active engagement promotes resilience. We discuss the role, health outcomes, and practical implications of these 2 major domains of healthy aging.