Narrative construction of resilience: stories of older Czech adults

Abstract

Some older adults handle the pitfalls of ageing better than others. One explanation emerges from the concept of resilience, the ability to bounce back from the adversities of later life. In this study, we approached resilience from the narrative perspective. This study is a part of a project based on the DIPEx qualitative methodology, focused on different aspects of ageing. A combination of narrative and semi-structured interviews was conducted with 50 older adults (aged 75 and over). From the total number of interviews, a sub-group of 11 resilient participants was selected on the basis of the criteria set for resilience: (a) past exposure to adversity; and (b) positive adaptation to this adversity in terms of quality of life, happiness and activity. The results of the analysis are presented in the framework of five categories: (a) thematic lines, (b) agency and positioning; (c) values and beliefs; (d) reflections and perspectives; and (e) plot and genre. Both agency and reflections point to actively resisting old age as an important characteristic of resilient older adults in the Czech Republic. This resistance is often allied with irony, but we have also found genres of heroic coping and affirmation of lucky moments. Key thematic lines were love of life, emphasis on the importance of movement and positive social relationships; key values expressed by the participants were relational, existential and spiritual.

Understanding resilience from the perspective of Appalachian centenarians

“…These sub-themes reflect the initialisation of a resilient nature. This beginning, as demonstrated in our centenarians, has been characterised in research as the ability to recognise one's inner strength and to embrace the capacity to survive daily adversities (personal and/or socially) (Arnold et al , 2010; Dubovská et al , 2017; Levasseur et al , 2017; Scelzo et al , 2018). These sub-themes give depth and add a personal perspective to the quantitative research findings where the challenging lived experiences are described as predictors of exceptional longevity (Gersten et al , 2010; Cho et al , 2015).…”

“…They give context to the positive association between adaptation and family involvement when describing centenarians’ adaptability to adverse changes (Hensley et al , 2010; Scelzo et al , 2018; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Through these sub-themes, it is evident that inner resources contribute to an association between thriving and socialisation in the community (Dubovská et al , 2017; Levasseur et al , 2017; Kok et al , 2018; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Furthermore, the research supports how these sub-themes reflect thriving even when living in poverty and/or economically distressed conditions from unavoidable situations (Bennett et al , 2016; Kok et al , 2018).…”

“…Through their sense of spirituality, these older adults acquired a perspective to cope with and survive beyond daily adversities and traumatic situations. Furthermore, having a happy or healthy outlook about life is a re-occurring theme with centenarians (Dubovská et al , 2017; Lopez, 2019; Ratan and de Vries, 2020). Therefore, our sub-themes collectively encompass the contextual meaning of maintaining a resilient nature.…”

“…Some studies have explored resilience in older adults. In a sample of 11 older adults aged 75–93, resilience was reflected in their outlook about life and the pleasure of overcoming adversities as well as just living (Dubovská et al , 2017). With 200 older adults aged 56–97, Fullen and Granello (2018) reported that resilience varied across age groups.…”

Nadir experiences and ego-integrity: types of narrative enactment

“…A successful resolution of ‘wisdom-facilitative experiences’ also plays a substantial role in achieving wisdom (Baltes et al , 1995), which is, within Erikson's eight stages of lifecycle, viewed as a ‘virtue’. It is also crucial for gaining resilience, specifically the ability to ‘bounce back’ after adverse or traumatic events (Bonanno, 2004; Randall et al , 2015; Dubovská et al ., 2017).…”