Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate resilience factors that help Chinese older adults living alone cope with senses of loneliness.Method: Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted on 13 older adults living alone in the community who did not show severe loneliness. Trained research assistants conducted interviews guided by semi-structured interview guidelines. The analysis followed a five-step interpretive approach. Results:The primary theme of resilience was found in cognitive competence, self and personality, and social relationships. The secondary theme of resilience showed a relationship orientation, emphasizing a family-focused, relationship-oriented life, which is in line with Chinese culture. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that family-oriented and relation-focused resilience at the cognitive, self and personality, and social relations levels played significant roles in helping the Chinese older adults overcome their high risk of loneliness. Develop and maintain dynamic daily rhythms that can integrate family-oriented and relation-focused coping strategies at the cognitive and social levels are recommended.

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Health-cost-to-income ratio and perceived financial difficulty can be implied as objective and subjective indicators of financial burden to identify the patients who may need additional assistance. Communication on deciding on cost-effective treatments can be facilitated.

Neighborhood support networks and perceived proximity by walk to community facilities contribute significantly to depressive symptoms among low-income elders. Programs and policies that facilitate neighborhood support and commuting or promote facility accessibility may help ameliorate depressive symptoms common among low-income elders.