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Filial Piety, Generativity and Older Adults’ Wellbeing and Loneliness in Denmark and China

Author

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  • Puxiang Ren

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Jakob Emiliussen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Regina Christiansen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

  • Søren Engelsen

    (Roskilde University)

  • Søren Harnow Klausen

    (University of Southern Denmark)

Abstract

The article considers the potential of intergenerational encounters and family and social ties for alleviating loneliness and promoting older adults’ wellbeing. Loneliness has been widely recognized as one of the factors that are most deeply and pervasively detrimental to older adults’ wellbeing. We combine theoretical reflections with a comparative study of older adults in Denmark and China. Both countries have to deal with an aging population and growing number of cases of isolation and loneliness in an increasingly individualized society. They differ, however, with regard to how far they have developed a system of institutionalized care, as well as with regard to their culture-specific views of family life and parent-child relationships. We apply the notions of filial piety, known from Confucian philosophy but often misinterpreted as conservative and conformist, and generativity, to qualitative studies of older adults in Denmark and China. The great potential of intergenerational ties is confirmed. Our study also shows that filial piety is still highly valued, in both China and Denmark, and can be maintained even in a highly individualized society. There is, however, considerable uncertainty among both older adults and their younger relatives as to what is required and what can be expected; realism, and an emphasis on the quality, rather than the quantity of interaction, may be sensible coping strategies, but can also lead to unnecessary acquiescence and self-abnegation. Our study also serves to distinguish different aspects and effects on wellbeing of intergenerational relationships.

Suggested Citation

  • Puxiang Ren & Jakob Emiliussen & Regina Christiansen & Søren Engelsen & Søren Harnow Klausen, 2022. "Filial Piety, Generativity and Older Adults’ Wellbeing and Loneliness in Denmark and China," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 17(5), pages 3069-3090, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:17:y:2022:i:5:d:10.1007_s11482-022-10053-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-022-10053-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ye Luo & Linda J. Waite, 2014. "Loneliness and Mortality Among Older Adults in China," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 69(4), pages 633-645.
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    5. Bao-Liang Zhong & Shu-Lin Chen & Xin Tu & Yeates Conwell, 2017. "Loneliness and Cognitive Function in Older Adults: Findings From the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 72(1), pages 120-128.
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    7. Lynn Jamieson, 2011. "Intimacy as a Concept: Explaining Social Change in the Context of Globalisation or Another Form of Ethnocentricism?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 16(4), pages 151-163, December.
    8. Zi-qing Yuan & Xian Zheng & Eddie C. M. Hui, 2021. "Happiness Under One Roof? The Intergenerational Co-residence and Subjective Well-Being of Elders in China," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 727-765, February.
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    1. Sarvarubini Nainee & Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim & Masarah Mohamad Yusof, 2023. "Generativity and Subjective Wellbeing of Malaysian Old Adults: The Role of Gender and Living Arrangement," SAGE Open, , vol. 13(4), pages 21582440231, October.
    2. Stephanie W. Lee & Jing Xu & Tai-Ming Wut & Yui-Yip Lau & Joseph H. L. Chan & Tin-Shing Liu & Louis W. Y. Mok & Jason K. Y. Chan, 2024. "Aging in Place in Hong Kong and Its Implications for Sustainable Development: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Needs, Beliefs, Behaviors, and Well-Being of Older Adults through Self-Determination The," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-18, April.

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