Resilience

Resilience refers to the dynamic capacity of an individual to adapt positively in the face of adversity and to maintain or recover a satisfactory level of psychological and functional well-being. In the context of dementia, resilience challenges deficit-based models that frame the condition primarily through decline and dependency, instead recognizing the continued strengths, agency, and aspirations of people living with dementia. The American Psychological Association identifies four key resilience-building strategies: building social connections, fostering wellness, finding purpose, and embracing healthy thinking. For accessibility and technology design, a resilience-oriented approach means creating tools that actively support autonomy and meaningful engagement—rather than simply compensating for functional losses or managing symptoms on behalf of users.