Reframing ageing in place: perspectives from Chinese older people

As global populations age, the concept of ageing in place (AIP), originally rooted in Western discourse, has gained international attention. However, current interpretations of 'place' often remain limited to physical settings such as home and community. This study explored how older people in urban China understand and experience 'place' in AIP.

Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants in Changsha, China. Data was analysed following IPA's analytic procedures.

Four key themes emerged: (1) Negotiating between two 'homes', with subthemes: Ageing in my own home, and Near and yet far enough from adult children's homes, (2) Ageing in supportive social networks; (3) Ageing in a digital world; and (4) Not to be 'institutionalised'.

This study offers a culturally nuanced understanding of AIP, challenging the notion that 'place' is solely a physical or geographical location. It highlights the significance of social connectedness, emotional security, digital participation, and the desire to avoid institutional care. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, underscoring the need to design ageing policies and care practices that address not only physical housing but also social networks, digital inclusion, and the relational aspects of institutional care, thereby promoting autonomy, dignity, and well-being.