Defining Successful Aging: Perceptions From Elderly Chinese in Hawai'i

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Sociology
• Cultural Studies

Background:

• Hawaii has the highest life expectancy in the US.
• Successful aging perceptions vary across cultures.
• Research on successful aging among Chinese elders in diverse settings is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine lay perceptions of successful aging among elderly Chinese in Hawaii.
• To identify key factors contributing to successful aging in this demographic.
• To compare these perceptions with those in other Chinese populations.

Main Methods:

• Survey data from 136 elderly Chinese respondents in Hawaii.
• Principal components factor analysis to identify dimensions of successful aging.
• Logistic regression models to analyze the importance of aging factors.

Main Results:

• Three distinct factors of successful aging emerged: psychosocial/economic well-being, physical well-being, and social support from adult children.
• Psychosocial, economic, and physical well-being were perceived as important by most respondents.
• 35%-41% of respondents considered social support from adult children important.

Conclusions:

• Elderly Chinese in Hawaii hold unique successful aging perceptions, incorporating psychosocial elements beyond biomedical models.
• These perceptions show similarities and differences in familism compared to Chinese elders in China and Singapore.
• Cultural variations significantly influence the definition and experience of successful aging.