Living longer is the dream of many, but aging healthily is even more important. The longevity debate often focuses on miracle cures and remedies, while science is trying to figure out how to get to old age while maintaining physical and mental well-being. Recent Italian research has highlighted three key determinants of coping with resilient aging: a healthy and active lifestyle, a stable emotional network, and the ability to deal with stress flexibly. This groundbreaking study suggests a new approach to looking at longevity, focusing on quality of life as well as duration.

Resilient aging: the key factors

The survey, conducted by the Golgi Cenci Foundation and the Serpero Foundation and published in The Journals of Gerontology, focused on the elderly population in Abbiategrasso, near Milan. The researchers identified three pillars for healthy aging:

1. Healthy and active lifestyle: The importance of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and a lifestyle conducive to well-being is well known, but it is emphasized again as critical to preventing chronic diseases and maintaining a good quality of life even in old age.
2. Cognitive reserve: A stimulating environment, especially in the early stages of life, helps create what is called a “cognitive reserve.” This means that education, social and intellectual activities, and a wealth of enriching experiences help to cope with the neurological changes typical of aging.
3. Affective reserve: A novel finding of the study is the role of “affective reserve.” This consists of the ability to build and maintain strong and positive affective ties, which provide psychological support and contribute to adaptation in difficult times. Having a network of deep and trusting affective relationships is an important protection and, according to the study, is comparable in impact to other factors.

Adapting to age better

The data collected by the researchers indicated that about 38 percent of the over-80s participating in the study had a “resilient phenotype.” This group was defined as “resilient” because, despite exposure to significant adverse events or stresses such as the Covid-19 pandemic, they had maintained good health and autonomy. “The resilient elderly were not spared from stressful events,” explains Dr. Antonio Guaita, director of the Golgi Cenci Foundation, “but their resilience helped them better manage the challenges of the aging process.”

The role of stress in maintaining resilience

Contrary to what you may think, completely avoiding stress is not the key to aging well. On the contrary, successfully coping with stressful events helps strengthen adaptive capacity. Seniors who maintain an active lifestyle and a strong social network are more likely to adapt to age-related physical and psychological changes.

The Abbiategrasso study: a survey of the long term

The research was based on a sample of 404 elderly people monitored since 2009 as part of the InveCe.Ab (Aging Brain of Abbiategrasso) study. The elderly who, in addition to remaining independent, had no signs of depression or cognitive deficits were classified as “resilient.” This longitudinal study identified three areas of intervention: enhancing cognitive abilities through education and stimulation, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and cultivating positive and lasting relationships.

Investing in health promotion

The research also highlighted the importance of prevention throughout the lifespan. The study’s authors stress the importance of spreading a health promotion message that promotes positive lifestyle choices instead of focusing only on disease risk. According to the experts, it is essential to continue investing in education and wellness promotion, emphasizing that there is no age limit to start taking care of yourself.

This research represents an important step toward a greater understanding of resilient aging and longevity, with the goal of enabling more people to age not only longer, but better.