Successful Aging in the United States and China

Abstract

Successful aging is gaining increasing attention given the growth in the older adult population. Criteria and definitions within multiple disciplines vary greatly in Western literature, with no consensus on its meaning. Sociocultural, economic, and political differences between the Western view of successful aging and its view in China add to the confusion. Similarities and differences in the meaning of successful aging in the United States and China are examined, and potential for a common definition useful to nursing in both countries is explored. Using concept analysis, shared criteria for successful aging were the following: decreased incidence of disease and disability, life satisfaction, meaning and purpose in life, and ability to cope effectively to achieve goals based on personal values and priorities. A comprehensive, multidimensional definition of successful aging for nursing and a midrange nursing theory of successful aging were identified that may be useful to guide nursing research, practice, and policy.

Successful Aging and Chronic Osteoarthritis

“…The literature search and the material extracted from that search, while not necessarily representing all publications in the field, showed that in general, there are many research reports that encompass one or more aspects of the theme of ‘successful aging’, but there is no comprehensive universally accepted model of the concept, and the concept is defined by a myriad of differing definitions, such as having achieved successful adaptations to an aging body [ 4 ], the absence of disease and disability [ 5 ], resilience/adaptation [ 6 ], and selective optimization with compensation [ 7 ]. As well, an array of research approaches, such as in-depth interviews conducted face to face or by phone [ 4 , 5 , 8 ], focus groups [ 6 ]; questionnaires [ 7 ], life story interviews [ 9 ], concept analysis [ 2 , 10 ], literature reviews [ 3 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ] prevail. In addition, most studies examined small convenience samples of healthy cohorts of varying ages, and very few reports could be found that were devoted to the application of the concept of ‘successful aging’ to the osteoarthritis population.…”

Successful aging among Chinese near-centenarians and centenarians in Hong Kong: a multidimensional and interdisciplinary approach

“…Due to the idiosyncratic nature of life meanings, goals, and coping strategies, qualitative studies may complement extant quantitative findings by illustrating the personal and social context, life events, and life history that contribute to these components of SA. Future research may compare definitions and correlates of SA across different societies and cohorts which could be affected by the unique sociocultural imperatives between different cultures and eras (Hung et al, 2010;Ji et al, 2014;Liang & Luo, 2012;Romo et al, 2013). Based on Hung et al (2010) findings, we incorporated the presence of close family members (spouse and children) as confidants and economic well-being in our model of SA.…”

“…Multidimensional models of successful aging SA has been subject to numerous definitions (Bowling, 2007;Bowling & Dieppe, 2005;Depp & Jeste, 2006;Glass, 2003;Ji, Ling, & McCarthy, 2014;Phelan & Larson, 2002;Young, Frick, & Phelan, 2009) ever since the seminal term has been proposed by Havighurst (1961), who also vividly coined the notion of 'adding life to the years.' Rowe and Kahn (1987) subsequently recommended that research should devote greater effort in describing the heterogeneous population who has successfully escaped from pathological aging.…”

Successful Aging and Chronic Osteoarthritis

“…As well an array of research approaches, such as in-depth interviews conducted face to face or by phone [4,5,8], focus groups [6]; questionnaires [7], life story interviews [9], concept analysis [2,10], literature reviews [3,[11][12][13][14] prevail. In addition, most studies examined small convenience samples of healthy cohorts of varying ages, and very few reports could be found that were devoted to the application of the concept of 'successful aging'…”