Growing old with fibromyalgia: factors that predict physical function.

Background: Fibromyalgia, a persistent, widespread pain condition, significantly limits physical function, threatening an older adult's health and ability to live independently.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify predictors of physical function in older adults living with fibromyalgia and to examine the influence of resilience on the relationship between fibromyalgia pain and physical function.

Methods: This was a descriptive correlational, cross-sectional design using mailed questionnaires to analyze relationships between health-related variables and physical function in a convenience sample of community-dwelling older adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia (n = 224; age M = 62.

Assessing resilience.

As more studies reveal the positive relationships between resilience and aging well, mental health practitioners are increasingly interested in recognizing and strengthening resilience among aging Baby Boomers. Although there is much information on characteristics of resilience, there is very little research on assessing for resilience. This article presents a framework for assessing resilience among middle-aged and older adults that includes the Resilience Scale and open-ended questions to provide clients opportunities to reflect on and perhaps rediscover their resilience.