Resilient citizens, resilient communities. Insights from explorative research on older people living with frailty

This chapter presents a sociological framework for the concept of resilience, with a specific empirical focus on older adults’ responses to adverse events related to the dynamics of the ageing process. Firstly, the concept of resilience is analysed from a sociological perspective, presenting the definition and the characteristics of this social phenomenon, adopting a three-level analysis: micro (individual resilience), meso (community resilience), and macro (institutional resilience). Afterwards, the synthesis of research conducted in Italy on older adults and their transition to frailty describes the different coping strategies and the ability to bounce back and recover from critical events (e.g. illness and injury, hospitalisation and the death of a spouse). Our research shows that resilience, detectable at the micro and meso levels, is insufficient for individuals and families to cover their needs associated with the changing scenario after a negative event. Furthermore, strengthening resilience necessitates adopting an integrated and supportive approach at both the community and institutional levels. The role of national and local policymakers is crucial for the design and implementation of effective social welfare policies aimed at fostering resilience.