from left, Patricia Rathbone, Florence Riebe, and Lynne Casson at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center. Photo Courtesy LARSO

BY LEAH BLACKWELL

Positive living guides the work that we do at the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization. Every service we provide is guided by these five pillars of positive living: positive mindset and emotional resilience, physical and cognitive health, social connection and community engagement, autonomy and self-mastery, and systems-level support and care. Together, these pillars form a foundation for thriving—not just living—as we age.

This month, we’re focusing on Pillar 1: positive mindset and emotional resilience, a cornerstone of successful aging and a powerful driver of overall well- being.

The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, threats, or significant sources of stress”—in simpler terms, the ability to “bounce back.” But for older adults, resilience is often more than bouncing back. It is about moving forward with meaning, even when life looks different than it once did.

And the truth is, the longer we live, the more change we inevitably face—loss of loved ones, shifts in health, changes in identity and independence. These experiences can be deeply challenging. Yet research consistently shows what many know firsthand: older adults who cultivate resilience experience better health outcomes, lower rates of chronic disease, greater emotional stability, and even increased longevity. Emotional resilience is not just a “nice to have”—it is essential to aging well.

So what does resilience actually look like in real life?

To explore this, I sat down with several of our members. I spoke with Ann, a disabled former Marine who lost her leg just over a year ago; Vivien, who is navigating life after the loss of her husband of 31 years; and longtime volunteers who have weathered decades of life’s inevitable ups and downs.

What I discovered was both humbling and inspiring.

Despite the differences in their stories, several powerful themes emerged.

The first was a kind of clear-eyed honesty. Each person, in their own way, expressed a simple truth: “This is hard.” There was no glossing over pain, no forced optimism. Instead, there was something deeper—acceptance. Not resignation, but a grounded acknowledgment that hardship is part of life, and that it can be faced with dignity. This kind of acceptance is often the first step toward resilience.

Another theme was transformation. Many described a shift over time—from fear to courage, from hesitation to confidence. Life experience, combined with meaningful interactions across cultures and communities, had broadened their perspectives. One member shared that travel taught her that, despite our differences, people everywhere want the same basic things: connection, purpose, and belonging. Another reflected on growing up in a culturally diverse
environment and arriving at the same conclusion. These experiences didn’t just shape their worldview—they strengthened their ability to adapt, relate, and persevere.

And perhaps most striking was a shared sense of gratitude and purpose. Again and again, members spoke about giving back—volunteering, supporting peers, showing up for others. This aligns with a growing body of research showing that social engagement and community connection are key drivers of resilience. When people feel connected and valued, they are better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. In this way, resilience is not just an individual trait—it is something we build together. The encouraging news is that resilience is not something you either have or don’t have. It is not fixed. It can be learned, practiced, and strengthened at any age. Behavioral science tells us that resilience is an ongoing process involving mindset, habits, and coping strategies. And while aging brings natural changes, the brain retains its remarkable ability to adapt, form new connections, and grow throughout life. In other words, it is never too late to build resilience.

At LARSO, we are committed to helping our community do exactly that—through programs, conversations, and opportunities that support emotional well-being and connection. In a community like ours, collective wellness matters. At the senior center this is at the forefront of everything we do. It’s more than a place for services or activities—it is a hub of connection, a space where resilience is nurtured daily through relationships, shared experiences, and mutual support.

We invite you to follow our weekly blog at larso.org. Throughout April, we’ll be sharing one member’s story of resilience each week—real stories from people in our community who remind us what it means to face life with strength, honesty, and hope.

And we’ll see you again here in May, as we turn our focus to Pillar 2: physical and cognitive health.

Leah Blackwell is the Programming and Marketing Coordinator at the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization. Leah has a background in community-focused work, including library programming for children and families, as well as experience as a hospice chaplain and grief group facilitator.