title: Successful transition to later life: strategies used by baby boomers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to understand strategies employed by baby boomers to maintain well-being and facilitate transition to later life.
  
  
  METHODS
  A non-clinical cohort (n = 139) provided qualitative data about well-being strategies. Thematic data analysis provided insights for those with high and low life satisfaction (based on Satisfaction with Life Scale) and quantitative data from previous waves provided predictors of life satisfaction decades later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Longitudinal predictors were depression history (cognitive trait and repeated episodes) and quality of partner's care. 'Highly satisfied older people' reported proactive strategies, contrasted with lack of planning by 'dissatisfied older people'. 'Resilient older people', with high life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes, reported benefit from strategies dealing with adversity, including depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strategies of 'satisfied older people' support theories of proactive coping and demonstrate the importance of developing adaptational skills to support later life satisfaction. In 'resilient older people' adaptive strategies can lead to achievement of life satisfaction despite repeated depressive episodes.
authors: School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faces in the Street, St Vincent's Urban Mental Health and Wellbeing Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
authors: Kay
authors: K
authors: Wilhelm
authors: Liesbeth
authors: L
authors: Geerligs
authors: Carmelle
authors: C
authors: Peisah
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011158:Population Growth; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D055500:Resilience, Psychological; D012179:Retirement / Q000523:psychology; D057566:Self Report; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: coping strategy; depression; life satisfaction; qualitative research; resilience; successful ageing.