![]() 6 In its simplest sense, optimism, is “anticipating good”, 7 whereas in scientific literature many theories of optimism/pessimism have been proposed. Psychosocial factors, including a person’s optimism, were shown to promote healthy ageing 5 and increase resilience. 2 Healthy ageing enables older individuals to continue contributing to society both socially and economically. 1 In December 2020, the United Nations general assembly declared 2021 – 2030 the decade of healthy ageing, emphasising the need for the physical, psychological and wellbeing of older adults to be prioritised. Globally, the proportion of the population aged 65 years or older) is steadily increasing. Optimism may aid older individuals’ recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Rather, optimism helped individuals handle this stressful time. ![]() Optimism was not impacted by the pandemic stressor. The overall meaning of optimism was a generalised positive outlook shaped by the dynamic interaction of attributes. Optimism promoted proactive coping strategies and acceptance of difficulties during the pandemic. Pragmatic beliefs and attitudes, being solution-focused, and positivity contributed to the lifelong development of optimism. Genetics and family history, gratitude and hopefulness, life-course development and the life journey shaped optimism. The themes identified were: (i) the essence, beliefs and meaning of optimism, (ii) personality and disposition in shaping optimism through the life course, and (iii) the effects and aftermath of a stressor. Data were evaluated using reflective thematic analysis. ![]() Participants’ perceptions of optimism, lived experience, and potential impacts of the pandemic on optimism were explored. MethodsĮleven adults (55% female), aged 68-74 years, living in metropolitan and regional areas of Australia participated in semi-structured interviews via video-conferencing. This study explored what optimism means to older Australians and how the pandemic may have affected their perceptions. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tremendously impacts people’s lives and health. Optimism is a psychosocial asset associated with healthy ageing.
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