Cognitive reserve and resilience as protective factors against physical health issues, anxiety and stress in older adults.

Abstract

Aging is associated with physical, cognitive, and emotional changes, with substantial interindividual variability in mental and physical health outcomes. This study investigates the role of cognitive reserve (CR) and resilience as protective factors against perceived stress, anxiety, and physical health issues (PHI) in older adults. CR was operationalized using the Cognitive Reserve Index Questionnaire (CRIq), treated as a lifestyle-based proxy of the neural construct. A total of 108 participants (aged 65-87 years) completed standardized assessments: CRIq, Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y2), PHI scale, and Social Readjustment Rating Scale (SRRS). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions and moderation models. Higher CRIq scores were associated with lower exposure to stressful life events, lower anxiety, and fewer PHI. Resilience moderated these associations, particularly those between CRIq and exposure to stressful life events and anxiety. These findings indicate that lifestyle-based CR proxies (CRIq) and resilience appear to act synergistically to support psychological and physical well-being in older adults.