Varför återhämtar sig vissa äldre personer efter förluster och andra inte? Skyddsfaktorer associerade med psykosocial motståndskraft senare i livet

This mixed methods article examines protective factors associated with psychosocial resilience in older adults in Sweden in the context of age-typical loss. The losses we focus on are loss of partner and physical functioning.
Data comes from the Level of Living Survey (LNU), SWEOLD and 20 qualitative interviews with older adults who have lost their partner or physical function. Using an inductive approach, we have made an in-depth examination of three main analytical themes that emerged in the data: Anticipatory grief, the importance of social networks and the experience of control.
The results show, among other things, that anticipatory grief is relatively common and that adaptation begins even before the loss has occurred. Social networks play an important role and are central for an individual's resilience in response to difficult losses. Experiencing control over one's life situation can affect recovery – financial aspects and the housing situation can facilitate or hinder recovery.