Tranquil Aging as an Alternative to Active Aging in Taiwanese Culture

The global trend of population aging has driven the development of the Active Aging (AA) framework, which aims to enhance the health, participation, and security of older adults. While the AA framework has demonstrated success in improving quality of life (QoL), its core emphasis on autonomy and proactive engagement may be misaligned with the cultural values of Taiwanese society. Rooted in Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions, Taiwanese aging perspectives often prioritize acceptance, familial interdependence, and spiritual harmony over individual autonomy. This study explores how older adults in rural Taiwan conceptualize retirement and later life. Thirty-two older adults from Tainan City, Taiwan, were selected through purposive sampling. A test-retest approach was employed using two rounds of semi-structured interviews. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed a preference for tranquil aging, characterized by three main themes: (1) Acceptance and following the mandate of heaven, (2) Retirement life remains unaffected by social changes, and (3) Concern about the future of children’s lives. This study highlights a culturally rooted model of tranquil aging shaped by Eastern philosophy. Unlike the AA framework, which emphasizes autonomy and continued engagement, older adults in Taiwan value filial belonging, and acceptance of life’s natural course rather than striving for constant activity. This contrast reveals a gap between the principles of AA framework and the cultural perspectives and expectations of Taiwanese. Governments and policymakers should develop user-centered, culturally sensitive approaches that reflect the lived experiences and traditions of Taiwanese society.