Health and social participation are the core elements of successful aging theories in Western countries. To explore the similarities and differences between contemporary Chinese older adults’understanding of successful aging and Western standard models，this study used convenience sampling and interviews to conduct semi - structured interviews with 41 older adults aged 60- 89，and performed coding analysis of the interview data. The findings reveal that older adults in China prioritize marital happiness and filial piety from their children as the primary criteria for successful aging，followed by economic security and physical health. Their understanding of marital happiness is mutual tolerance and support. Their perception of filial piety includes both the successful careers of their children and the daily care or financial support their children provide. They generally believe that children pay insufficient attention to their parents’mental conditions and psychological needs. The research results indicate that contemporary older adults in China have a unique understanding of successful aging. Social policies and public opinion should pay attention to the marital lives of the older generation，while encouraging children and grandchildren to communicate more with them，thereby helping them achieve successful aging.