title: Resilience, physical performance measures, and self-perceived physical and mental health in older Catholic nuns.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The importance of physical performance measures and their influence on predicting future disability has been suggested; however, the association between resilience and physical performance measures in older women needs further study. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the resilience level in a convenience sample of older women who happened to be Roman Catholic nuns. The relationships of resilience with specific physical performance measures, self-perceived physical and mental health status, and depressive symptoms were also explored.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptive correlational cross-sectional design was used. Data from 54 volunteer Roman Catholic nuns, aged 55-94 were collected beginning with self report questionnaires followed by physical performance tests. Self-report measures included the Resilience Scale, Short-Form revised (SF-12v2) Health Survey, and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The 12-point Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and fast gait speed were the physical performance tests measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This sample of nuns had moderate levels of resilience. Those with fewer depressive symptoms and better health had higher resilience levels. Fast gait speed was positively associated with resilience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The positive relationship between resilience and gait speed is an important finding of this study because it reinforces the connection between physical and emotional health. Future studies should examine if resilience and gait speed can serve as predictors of disability in a broader sample of older adults or if resilience can be targeted as a means of improving physical performance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Maintaining functional ability and recovering when physical injury is experienced is of great importance in older adults. It is reasonable for physical therapists to consider both resilience and physical performance measures when attempting to identify older women at risk for poor outcomes. Resilience may play a role in helping older adults recover from a physical injury.
authors: College of Nursing, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York 13210, USA. wellsm@upstate.edu
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Wells
authors: Dale
authors: D
authors: Avers
authors: Gary
authors: G
authors: Brooks
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002410:Catholicism; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D057566:Self Report