Aging is a natural process that brings wisdom, self-assurance and inner strength — but it can also present unique challenges. As life changes, proactively building mental resilience can help us bounce back during difficult times. Researchers at Mather Institute study ways to age well, including how older adults can build resilience. According to them, there are simple steps older adults can take to find areas of strength to rely on. “Aging has a lot of ups and downs,” Jacquelyn Stephens, PhD, a senior research associate with Mather Institute, says. “Much of that is because we don’t always have control. Resilience focuses on what we can control and a skill we can build at any age. By taking a few small actions every day, you can have a big impact on your mental health.”