Journal article
Structural Resilience Across the Life Course: Perspectives From Older Adults Racialized as Black
Journal of advanced nursing, Vol.82(4), pp.3575-3585
04/2026
DOI: 10.1111/jan.70222
PMCID: PMC12994672
PMID: 40955730
Abstract
Aim(s): This study explored perceptions of older adults racialised as Black on structural resilience across the life course. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Using purposive sampling, we recruited 15 Black adults aged 50 and older residing in Baltimore, Maryland, including individuals possessing historical or current knowledge of the community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit participants' experiences with structural resources during childhood, adulthood and late adulthood. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. Results: Of the 15 participants, three identified as male (20.0%) and 12 as female (80.0%), with an average age of 70.9 ± 8.2 years. The analysis identified nine categories of structural resilience, confirming its multifaceted and dynamic nature. Common categories present across all life stages included: Built environment, civic engagement, food and housing, healthcare, and social capital and cohesion. Life stage–specific categories included child and family services, educational supports, and workforce development supports during childhood and adulthood, and financial support during adulthood and late adulthood. Conclusion: These categories were interdependent and spanned across life stages, illustrating the dynamic, cumulative and relational qualities of structural resilience. Furthermore, structural resources were identified as key to safeguarding, empowering and restorative responses to adversity. Impact: These findings contribute to the development of a nuanced, life course–informed framework of structural resilience and highlight the need for ecological strategies that address structural forces shaping health and well-being, particularly among older adults racialised as Black. Reporting Method: This study was reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Structural Resilience Across the Life Course: Perspectives From Older Adults Racialized as Black
- Creators
- Boeun Kim - University of IowaAlicia K. Cooke - Johns Hopkins UniversityTiffany J. Riser - Johns Hopkins UniversityMelissa D. Hladek - Johns Hopkins UniversityParis B. Adkins-Jackson - Columbia UniversityLaura J. Samuel - Johns Hopkins UniversityRoland J. Thorpe - Johns Hopkins UniversitySarah L. Szanton - Johns Hopkins University
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of advanced nursing, Vol.82(4), pp.3575-3585
- DOI
- 10.1111/jan.70222
- PMID
- 40955730
- PMCID
- PMC12994672
- NLM abbreviation
- J Adv Nurs
- ISSN
- 0309-2402
- eISSN
- 1365-2648
- Publisher
- Wiley; HOBOKEN
- Grant note
- National Institute on Aging: DP1AG069874 National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Health Services and Outcomes Research for Aging Populations: T32AG066576 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Philadelphia Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP)
This study was supported by the National Institute on Aging (DP1AG069874). Ms. Riser was supported from the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Health Services and Outcomes Research for Aging Populations (T32AG066576). Ms. Riser is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Philadelphia Healthcare System, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP).
- Language
- English
- Electronic publication date
- 09/16/2025
- Date published
- 04/2026
- Academic Unit
- Nursing
- Record Identifier
- 9984963620002771