Resilience in Aging: A Grounded Theory Study on How Older Japanese Adults Navigate Chronic Illness

Japan’s population is one of the world’s oldest. As of 2025, over 29% of its citizens are 65 years old or older. Chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes are prevalent among the older population, presenting significant problems for the already stretched healthcare system. However, little is known about how older Japanese citizens actively manage chronic illness. Examining their actual experiences can help us comprehend the resilience of Japan’s elderly population on a deeper level. Using the Glaserian grounded theory approach, this study aimed to develop a theoretical framework that explains how resilience emerges in aging individuals within a Japanese sociocultural setting. Findings show that resilience among older Japanese adults is not just a psychological trait or an individual attribute but a dynamically and deeply embedded, culturally mediated process of navigating chronic illness. Seen through the lens of grounded theory, resilience is understood as the dynamism of personal agency, cultural heritage, a spiritual worldview, and social interconnectedness that shapes the lives of the participants. Findings may serve as empirical evidence for concerned stakeholders to develop culturally appropriate interventions and support systems that may enhance the well-being and independence of older adults in Japan. Lastly, this study may serve as a foundation for comparative studies on resilience in aging across different cultural contexts.