Malaysia is projected to become an ageing nation by 2030, yet ageing research and policy initiatives continue to focus predominantly on older adults, with comparatively limited attention given to midlife as a critical developmental period for ageing preparation. This study examines the relationship between resilience and perceived successful ageing (PSA), and investigates the mediating role of ageing adaptation among middle-aged civil servants in Malaysia. Guided by the Selection, Optimization, and Compensation (SOC) framework, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 403 civil servants aged 41–59 years in Putrajaya. Resilience was conceptualised through individual and environmental dimensions, while ageing adaptation comprised adaptation to psychosocial loss, physical change, and psychological growth. Data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that individual resilience significantly predicted both ageing adaptation and PSA, whereas environmental resilience demonstrated limited influence. Ageing adaptation partially mediated the relationship between individual resilience and PSA, with psychological growth emerging as the strongest adaptive pathway. Adaptation to physical change also contributed positively, while adaptation to psychosocial loss was not a significant mediator. These findings suggest that perceptions of ageing successfully are shaped not only by resilience itself but also by individuals’ capacity to adapt constructively to ageing-related transitions during midlife. The study contributes to successful ageing scholarship by highlighting psychological growth as a key mechanism linking resilience and PSA, and by demonstrating the importance of midlife as a strategic intervention period. The findings support the development of resilience-enhancing and adaptation-focused initiatives within workplace health promotion programmes and national ageing policies to foster more positive ageing trajectories in Malaysia.

Authors:
Yeshulavani Rajeswaran, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Mohammad Mujaheed Hassan, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Azlina Mohd Khir, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Asmidawati Ashari, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

About the Presenter(s)
Yeshulavani Rajeswaran is a PhD candidate at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her interests include social gerontology, resilience, and successful ageing. Her current research examines ageing adaptation and successful ageing among middle-aged civil servant

See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule

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