The relationship between resilience and cognitive function of older adults

Objective To investigate the role of resilience on cognitive function in older adults. Methods By random sampling, a total of 321 older adults participated the present study and were investigated by Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Mini Mental State Examination and self-designed general questionnaire. Results The score of resilience in older adults (82.75±15.13) was significantly higher than that of Chinese community people (65.40±13.90) (t=20.68, P<0.01). Older adults with poor resilience performed significantly lower on all dimensions of cognitive abilities than the other two groups (middle & higher resilience group) (all P<0.05). With both age and educational level controlled, tenacity and strength were of positive prediction for the cognitive abilities of older adults (β=0.25, 0.17, P<0.05). Conclusion There is a close relationship between resilience and cognitive function of older adults. The training of tenacity, strength and optimism will help delay the decline of cognitive function. Key words: Resilience; Cognitive function; Older adults