Understanding how older adults sustain mental well-being when facing challenging in later life

Older adults face challenges daily. How older adults sustain their mental well-being remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the self-sustaining mental well-being among older adults when facing challenging situations. The grounded theory method was used in this study. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 19 community-dwelling older adults and researcher-completed field notes. Moreover, the constant and comparative methods were employed. Older adults sustaining their mental well-being by themselves were determined through four dynamic phases: 1) openness to change in later life, that is, accepting physical illness as life changes, recognizing physical illness as a related factor of mental health, exercising to strengthen physical health, and strictly adhering to treatment plans; 2) utilizing relaxation techniques to cope with anxiety and stress arising from challenge situations, for example, performing relaxing activities with their children and grandchildren and age-appropriate diversional activities for older adults; 3) cultivating inner peace in later life, including letting go of everything from one's mind, positive thinking with all situations, and practicing Buddhist activities; and 4) enhancing self-worth in later life, namely, being a healthcare volunteer for helping other people and participating in social activities for older adults. Self- sustaining mental well-being can be a valuable guide for promoting mental health and effectively managing mental health conditions among older adults.