Positive ageing: The views of middle-aged and older adults in Hong Kong
Author(s)
Author(s)
Ng, S. H.
Woo, J.
Kwan, A. Y. H.
Date Issued
2006
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Journal
Ageing & Society
Volume
26
Issue
2
Start page
243
End page
265
Abstract
Life expectancy has been increasing rapidly in many parts of the world, including Hong Kong. A longer life can be welcome as an opportunity to fulfil as yet unmet aspirations, or to take up new challenges and projects, but it may also be a burden, especially for individuals who are unprepared. A pressing question for longer-life societies is: how may older people live their longer lives to the full positively? This article reports a qualitative study of Hong Kong Chinese people's views about ‘positive ageing’, as expressed and discussed in 15 focus groups of middle-aged and older people. Two themes emerged: first, the participants considered that positive ageing should comprise good health, having a positive life attitude, active engagement with an activity or with society, feeling supported by their families and friends, being financially secure, and living in a place with emotional ties; and secondly, several key factors that enable positive ageing were identified, namely, adopting a healthy lifestyle, thinking positively, promoting family and inter-personal relationships, and building up financial resources. The views of the participants about ‘positive ageing’ are compared with those reported from western studies, and the policy implications are considered.
SFU Affiliated Publication
No
Availability at SFU Library
No database links found.