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 Theory and Social Cognitive Theory

Stephanie W. Lee (), Jing Xu, Tai-Ming Wut, Yui-Yip Lau, Joseph H. L. Chan, Tin-Shing Liu, Louis W. Y. Mok and Jason K. Y. Chan
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Stephanie W. Lee: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Jing Xu: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Tai-Ming Wut: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Yui-Yip Lau: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Joseph H. L. Chan: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Tin-Shing Liu: Independent Researcher, Hong Kong, China
Louis W. Y. Mok: School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China
Jason K. Y. Chan: College of Professional and Continuing Education, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: With the rapidly aging population, Aging in Place (AIP) assumes an increasingly pivotal role, as it aligns with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Despite the contributions of AIP, there is a dearth of studies investigating the corresponding needs and well-being of older adults from psychological and sociocultural perspectives. This study aimed to investigate older adults’ needs, beliefs, behaviors, well-being, as well as perceived challenges and opportunities pertaining to AIP. Adopting a qualitative design, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 older adults on an individual basis. Through thematic analysis, a theoretical framework with reference to Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) was established. Findings reveal that the psychological needs of autonomy, competence, relatedness, and dignity are conducive to well-being and decision making. Fear of being a burden to others emerges as a dominant sociocultural construct. This research extends SDT by incorporating the need for dignity as an overarching factor intersecting with SDT needs. Fulfilling psychological needs, honoring cultural beliefs, and aligning with SDG3 and ESG principles are crucial to the successful implementation of AIP. AIP policies should not only consider older adults’ practical needs but also their psychological needs, thereby fostering an age-friendly environment through sustainable development.

Keywords: aging in place; psychological needs; cultural beliefs; self-determination theory; social cognitive theory; dignity; SDG 3; ESG (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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