Mental wealth in old age: ageing well in Australia

Li, Wendy Wen;Miller, Daniel J.

Abstract

Introduction: This paper employs the model of mental wealth to investigate protective factors against mental disorders in older population using an Australian sample. The model of mental wealth captures two aspects of mental development: mental capital and mental well-being. Mental capital encompasses both cognitive and emotional resources. It includes people's cognitive ability, their flexibility and efficiency at learning, and their 'emotional intelligence' which can also be described as social skills and resilience in the face of stress. Mental well-being is a dynamic state that refers to individuals' ability to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, and build strong and positive relationships with others and contribute to one's community. This paper focuses on the role certain aspects of mental capital, such as resilience and proactive coping strategies, play in enhancing mental well-being among older Australians. Method: Using the Clinical Assessment Scale for the Elderly, this study examined mental health among 250 Australian older adults. Particular attention was paid to the effects of resilience and proactive coping strategies on the participants' mental health. Results: Results reveal that high resilience scores and high proactive coping scores are negatively correlated with mental health indicators. Participants with a high resilience score and a high proactive coping score generally displayed better mental well-being. Conclusion: Resilience and proactive coping appear to act as buffers. Both seem to be protective factors against mental disorders.

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1760-4788

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Supplement 1

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Seoul, Korea

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Springer

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