What Can Older Adults Tell Us About Emotional Wisdom?
Abstract: Emotions wield a substantial influence on mental and physical well-being in old age, encompassing both positive and negative feelings, and effective emotional regulation is linked to aging well. Therefore, understanding the intricate connection between emotions and mental health is essential for promoting healthy aging in late adulthood.
This chapter explores the intricate interplay between emotions and mental health and the crucial role of emotional wisdom in old age, shedding light on how it influences mental health and overall well-being among older adults. The importance of emotions in old age is illuminated through the case of Gloria, an older retired nurse who participated in Mozambique’s War of Independence and currently volunteers in a Portuguese hospital. Her experiences underscore the interchange between emotional expression and wisdom and mental health during her life’s journey. By exploring emotional health and emotional wisdom from diverse cultural perspectives, the relationship between emotions and mental health, and policies and interventions, this chapter emphasizes the need for nuanced understanding and targeted strategies that relate emotional aging to mental health.