RESILIENCE AND AGING

When I think of Resilience at this age, I think of resources: first, my experience —  what I have already successfully lived through. Living through many years as a caregiver, and then being with Jim as he died. Then I think of Jim and Charlie, my siblings and friends — my support system.  I also remember the last workshop I put on at the Utton Center, where experts discussed what resilience meant in the context of drought and climate change. It meant what it means to me in my 80s — being highly adaptable. Having many small tools at your disposal, not just one big one.  Resilience doesn’t ask if you can get through this.  It keeps encouraging you by telling you that You Can! and by giving you solutions.