Cross-cultural comparison between academic and lay views of healthy ageing: a literature review

Abstract

The aim of this study is to specify the concept of ‘healthy ageing’ from both western and non-western cultural perspectives, and to compare the views of academics and lay older people. Thirty-four published peer-reviewed full papers in English and Chinese (traditional characters) were identified using electronic database searches. The key components of their definitions of healthy ageing were extracted and categorised into 12 domains. The results show that, in general, lay definitions (as described in 11 studies) included more domains (independency, family, adaptation, financial security, personal growth, and spirituality) and more diversity in the healthy ageing concept than academic views (which tend to focus more on physical and mental health and social functioning in later life). Certain domains were valued differently across cultures. As shown in previous studies, the findings affirm that healthy ageing is a multi-dimensional and complex concept and that there are substantial differences in different cultures. Moreover, we found that there are pronounced variations in the conceptualisation of healthy ageing as between academic and older lay people. Generally, older lay people perceive healthy ageing more broadly than the maintenance of physical, mental and social functioning. We suggest that academic researchers should integrate the more holistic perspectives of older lay people and cultural diversity into the classical ‘physical–mental–social’ healthy ageing concept.

Influence of Social Factors to the Quality of Life of the Elderly in Malaysia

“…Self (1) Partner (2) Children (3) Others ( quality of life [20,26]. Studies conducted both in the east and west have shown that having good and trusting relationship with family and friends which provide care and trustimproves the quality of life whereas having no good and trusting relationships decrease the quality of life [8,27,28].…”

“…The concept of filial piety is important to Asians [32] and living with extended families rather than living alone, maintaining close contact with and being supported by their extended families is considered as healthy ageing [5,26,33]. The psychological, social and physical needs of the elderly are met when they live with family members.…”

“…By actively participating in social activities the elderly are able to develop good social networks and integrate into society and prevent social alienation and reduce the risk of morbidity [7,37,38]. It was found in a study among the elderly in three cities in Italy, found that the elderly were satisfied with their social life and social integration was an important reason for this [7], because social integration and activities is an important source of life satisfaction and self-esteem [26,39,40]. Similar finding was noted in a study in the United Kingdom which found that decline in social activities due to reduced social networks and support was the reason for reduced WHOQOL scores as age increased [39].…”

Relation between medical sociology and sociology of ageing or later life. A new challenges, social expectations and dilemmas

“…Definitions of healthy ageing based on subjective assessment of older people have shown that older people's norms, perception and self-awareness of the reality of ageing vary among different cultures (Hung et al, 2010). These differences are mostly based on traditions, religious beliefs and the system of values.…”

“…Social gerontology following the policy aim presented by WHO, is not only to prolong the duration of later life, but also to improve the quality of life of older people (Hung et al 2010).…”