Common‐Sense Model Applied to Self‐Perception of Aging Among Chinese Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

OBJECTIVE: Self-perception of aging (SPA) involves individuals' subjective experiences and beliefs concerning their health and aging process. This study aims to explore the experiences of SPA and coping strategies among Chinese community-dwelling older adults based on the common-sense model (CSM). METHODS: The semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 community-dwelling older adults in Chongqing. A hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis approach was employed for data analysis. RESULTS: Five main themes were identified: (a) health decline and identity in aging, (b) navigating the aging timeline with personal paces, (c) negative impacts with silver linings in later life, (d) individualized emotional spectrum of aging, and (e) multiple coping strategies. These themes align with the domains of the CSM. CONCLUSION: In this study, the researchers gained valuable insights into the SPA among Chinese community-dwelling older adults and demonstrated the applicability of the CSM in understanding SPA. Findings also provide a theoretical basis for future research on SPA and developing culturally sensitive interventions for older adults.