This book brings together state-of-the-art research on successful aging in Asian populations
and highlights how the factors that contribute to successful aging differ from those in the
West. It examines the differences between the Asian and Western contexts in which the aging
process unfolds including cultural values lifestyles physical environments and family
structures. In addition it examines the question of how to add quality to longer years of
life. Specifically it looks at ways to promote health preserve cognition maximize
functioning with social support and maintain emotional well-being despite inevitable declines
and losses. Compared to other parts of the world Asia will age more quickly as a result of the
rapid socioeconomic developments leading to rising longevity and historically low fertility
rates in some countries. These demographic forces in vast populations such as China are
expected to make Asia the main driver of global aging in the coming decades. As a result
researchers professionals policymakers as well as the commercial sector in both East and
West are increasingly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of aging in Asia.
