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Aging in China pp 169–186Cite as

An East–West Approach to Mind–Body Health of Chinese Elderly

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Part of the book series: International Perspectives on Aging ((Int. Perspect. Aging,volume 2))

Abstract

Mind–body medicine is rooted in the traditional Eastern models of health emphasizing nurturing life, attaining balance, and an integrated view of being. Meanwhile, scientific evidence for the mind–body connection and the development of such therapies in treating disorders have given rise to an assimilation of the Eastern and Western approaches to health and illnesses. In recent decades, there has been an influx of Western medical approaches in China, and Chinese elderly are subjected to an alternative dimension of health that advocates targeted treatment and disease eradication. This chapter discusses how the interplay of Eastern health philosophies and the Western biomedical model can promote the physical and psychological condition of Chinese elderly and to flexibly adapt to their inevitable decline in health statuses.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre on Behavioral Health, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

    Rainbow Tin Hung HO, Phyllis Hau Yan LO & Cecilia Lai Wan CHAN

  2. Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong

    Rainbow Tin Hung HO, Cecilia Lai Wan CHAN & Pui Pamela Yu LEUNG

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  1. Rainbow Tin Hung HO
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  2. Phyllis Hau Yan LO
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  3. Cecilia Lai Wan CHAN
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  4. Pui Pamela Yu LEUNG
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Correspondence to Rainbow Tin Hung HO .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Pace University, One Pace Plaza 18th Floor, New York, 10038, New York, USA

    Sheying Chen

  2. University of Lancashire, Livesey House LH 311, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 2HE, United Kingdom

    Jason L. Powell

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HO, R.T.H., LO, P.H.Y., CHAN, C.L.W., LEUNG, P.P.Y. (2012). An East–West Approach to Mind–Body Health of Chinese Elderly. In: Chen, S., Powell, J. (eds) Aging in China. International Perspectives on Aging, vol 2. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-8351-0_10

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