A Self-Reliant Umbrella: Defining Successful Aging Among the Old-Old (80+) in Shanghai

Authors

Lin Chen
Minzhi Ye, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Eva Kahana

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-2020

Abstract

The Chinese old-old (80+) population has steadily increased in recent years; however, limited studies have examined how this group ages. The purpose of this study is to explore how the old-old in urban China define successful aging. Guided by grounded theory, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with community-dwelling old-old participants (N = 97). Participants identified self-reliance as the goal of successful aging, which was supported by four proactive behaviors: physical activity, financial security, community connectedness, and willing acceptance of reality. In our model, we conceptualized these four proactive behaviors to constitute the ribs of an umbrella, supporting a canopy to protect the pole of self-reliant successful aging. This study offers new understanding of the dynamic and nuanced ways that the old-old in urban China age successfully and of their valiant efforts to maintain self-reliance.

Comments

© The Author(s) 2019.

https://journals.sagepub.com/share/RXAKZPQ2YA6HQWIUJIAG?target=10.1177/0733464819842500

Recommended Citation

Chen, L., Ye, M., & Kahana, E. (2020). A self-reliant umbrella: Defining successful aging among the old-old (80+) in Shanghai. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 39(3), 242-249. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464819842500

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Gerontology

DOI

10.1177/0733464819842500