Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, a prominent expert on grief, will speak Thursday on “Resilience, Grit & Growth: Thriving in Challenging Times,” in a talk sponsored by the Greenwich Commission on Aging.

Doka is a professor of gerontology at the College of New Rochelle, the senior consultant to the Hospice Foundation of America and an ordained Lutheran minister. In this session, he will explore ways that both resilience or growth can be nurtured.

The lecture, part of the commission’s Distinguished Lecture Series, is set for 7 p.m., Thursday, June 14 in the Greenwich Library Cole Auditorium. Admission is free.

Crisis can create difficulties and challenges. For some, these challenges may prove insurmountable while others find strength and resilience allows emergence. Still others may grow — developing new skills and insights as they approach struggle.

“We all know that life isn’t easy and that throughout our journey we will face numerous challenges, problems and setbacks,” said Lori Contadino, Director of the Commission on Aging.

“The simple truth is that everyone faces challenges. How do people deal with difficult events that change their lives such as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, serious illness and other traumatic occurrences? What enables us to adapt well over time to these life impacting events?”

Contadino said the ongoing process of adapting to life-changing situations and stressful conditions that requires time and effort is resilience.

“Resilience is the psychological strength to cope with stress and hardship enabling us to ‘bounce back’ from difficult experiences. It does not eliminate stress or erase life’s difficulties, but lends to accepting that change is a part of living.”

Contadino added that resilience cannot be considered without “grit” – the perseverance and passion for long-term goals – and “growth” – adjusting, shifting and discovering our gifts and potentials after navigating the difficult journey.

The talk is sponsored by Sterling Care. Also Assisted Living Locators, At Home in Greenwich, Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich Library, Premier Home Health Care Services, Inc. and River House Adult Day Center.

Questions? Call (203) 862-6710.