Perspectives on successful ageing: The views of Chinese older adults living in Australia on what it means to age well

OBJECTIVES: High immigration has resulted in a culturally diverse ageing population. This study aims to examine the meaning of successful ageing among late-life immigrants ageing in a new cultural environment. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews focused on the subjective experience of ageing well were conducted with 11 Chinese older adults who had moved to Australia in later life. Interviews were conducted in participants' native language and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eleven themes were identified. A collectivist cultural ideal relating to avoiding burden to children underpinned a number of themes, including the importance of good health and financial security. Preferences regarding retaining or relinquishing traditional cultural expectations of dependence on adult children varied between participants, suggesting some postmigration shift in values. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into the nuances of ageing from a novel cultural perspective, and highlights the role of postmigration adaptation in cultural values.