Health and Living Arrangement Transitions among China’s Oldest-old

Abstract

This chapter begins with the notion that families in China act altruistically toward the old in that they operate as a single corporate unit, aiming toward the comfortable survival of all members. Coresidence with elders, based on this perspective, more likely occurs when needs are greatest, for instance, when health deteriorates or spouse dies. There is also the possibility of gender variation due to differences in authority and emotional bonds between older women and men and their families. These notions are tested. Cross-sectional and transitional multinomial models link health status measures with living arrangement outcomes. Results show changes in living arrangements occur frequently. Functional limitations are more strongly associated with living arrangements than are other health indicators. Health indicators are more strongly related for those not married. Gender interactions show health change most likely triggers a living arrangement response for women. Implications for a rapidly aging China are discussed.