Jopp, Daniela S. <br/><br/>
Vulnerability and resilience in centenarians 

 -  2018.<br/>							 
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<br/><br/> Although centenarians are often considered as prime examples of successful ageing, research indicates that they are highly vulnerable, given that they face substantial losses and very low resource levels. More particularly, centenarians are characterized by multimorbidity, are at risk of cognitive decline, and are likely to have lost many close social partners. Yet there is also evidence of resilience in centenarians, as they remain quite happy and satisfied with their life despite their vulnerability. So far, little is known about the resilience mechanisms responsible for this so-called well-being paradox, and very little research has addressed this phenomenon in centenarians. This article summarizes current research on vulnerability in people who have reached the age of one hundred to provide a better understanding of the challenges that centenarians face. This research is contrasted by studies that indicate the presence of resilience, with a special focus on well-being. We will also present the potential mechanisms underlying resilience, by addressing different types of psychological strengths, including adaptive strategies (e.g. coping) and self-referent beliefs (e.g. self-efficacy, giving meaning to life), and will discuss the extent to which they may play a role in centenarians’ well-being. In short, the findings indicate that centenarians are quite vulnerable as they are confronted with many challenges, but that they are also resilient due to various psychological strengths, which help them to experience well-being and quality of life at the age of one hundred. Future research should advance theory and methodology. Practical applications, including pathways for reducing vulnerability and enhancing resilience, are proposed.