Successful Aging in the United States and China: A Theoretical Basis to Guide Nursing Research, Practice, and Policy. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ji, Hong; Ling, Jiying; McCarthy, Valerie Lander
• Is Part Of: Journal of transcultural nursing. Volume 26:Number 2(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 129
• Page End: 136
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: successful aging -- gerontology -- holistic health -- transcultural health -- Western cultures -- United States -- East Asian cultures -- China; Transcultural nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Health attitudes -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/1043659614526257
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6596

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.