title: The Impact of Genetics on Physical Resilience and Successful Aging.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To better understand the impact of genetics on resilience and successful aging, we tested a model of successful aging.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a descriptive study with a single interview and blood draw done with residents in a continuing care retirement community. Five genes associated with resilience were included in the model. The hypothesis was tested using structural equation modeling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 116 participants completed the survey. Two SNPs from SLC6A4 (rs25533 and rs1042173) and age were the only variables associated with physical resilience and explained 9% of the variance. Cognitive status, age, and depression were directly associated with successful aging; variance in rs25532 or rs1042173, resilience, and pain were indirectly associated with successful aging through depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Continued research to replicate these findings is needed so as to be able to recognize older adults at risk of low physical resilience and implement appropriate interventions.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, USA Resnick@son.umaryland.edu.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Resnick
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: N Jennifer
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Klinedinst
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yerges-Armstrong
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Eun Yong
authors.initials: EY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, USA.
authors.forename: Susan G
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Dorsey
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: genetics; geriatrics; resilience