Abstract: Objective To explore the mediating role of perceived ageism between alienation and expectation regarding aging of rural seniors,provide specific countermeasures for maintaining the mental health of rural seniors,and provide a reference basis for further promoting healthy aging. Methods By using the method of convenient sampling,437 seniors from six villages in Hunan Province were selected as the subjects of the survey from July to September 2021. The investigation was performed by the perceived ageism questionnaire,alienation scale and aging expectation scale. Results The total score[M（P₂₅,P₇₅）] of the aging expectation of the rural elderly was [67.00（61.00,74.00）]points,the total score of perceived ageism was [1.00（1.00,4.00）] points,and the total score of alienation was （33.29±10.44）points. The perceived ageismand alienation were negatively correlated with aging expectation（r=-0.303,-0.477,both P<0.01）,and perceived ageism was positively correlated with alienation（r=0.425,P<0.01）. The perceived ageism partially mediated the alienation and aging expectation of the rural elderly,and the indirect effect accounted for 18.25% of the total effect. Conclusions The level of expectation regarding aging of rural seniors is in the middle level,alienation and perceived ageism are important influencing factors of expectation regarding aging,and perceived ageism plays an intermediary role in the influence of alienation on expectation regarding aging. Therefore,the state should promote a series of anti-discrimination measures,the society should also increase the publicity of respecting and loving the elderly,and the government should regularly screen the alienated seniors groups to ensure the mental health of seniors.The rural grass-roots workers should guide the formation of social interaction among seniors to achieve the meaning of life,and the rural seniors should actively cultivate their enthusiasm to participate in social practice and face age discrimination with a positive attitude. With the joint efforts of many aspects,it is achievable to raise the expectation regarding aging level of seniors and promote healthy aging.

Key words: Elderly people, Rural area, Perceived ageism, Alienation, Expectation regarding aging, Mediating effect