Determinants of Regional Disparities in Older Adult – Child Coresidence in China

Abstract

As population aging accelerates, understanding the living arrangements of older adults – particularly their coresidence with children – is crucial to addressing their diverse needs. While intergenerational coresidence has been widely studied across countries and over time, regional differences within countries remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by examining regional variations in intergenerational coresidence among older adults in China, a country historically marked by high coresidence levels but facing rapid aging, profound socioeconomic changes, and widening regional disparities in past decades. Using data from the 2000 Chinese Census and multilevel modelling, we analyze coresidence patterns among 871,123 older adults across 340 prefectures. Our findings reveal significant regional variation, with coresidence rates ranging from 20% to 86%. Individual factors explain only 8% of this variation, while regional factors, particularly the proportion of elderly and agricultural employment, are the strongest determinants. Residual analysis shows that older adults in the most developed urban centres exhibit a higher-than-average likelihood of coresidence after accounting for sociodemographic factors, suggesting the sustaining of intergenerational coresidence as families adapt to rapid modernisation. This study underscores the need for regional research to inform targeted policies, particularly in less-developed areas facing accelerated aging, youth outmigration, and inadequate eldercare systems.