The Impact of Social Isolation on the Subjective Well-Being of Older People in China: An Empirical Analysis Based on the 2021 China General Social Survey

Keikoh Ryu () and Zaiqing Chen
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Keikoh Ryu: Graduate School of Business Administration, Keio University, Yokohama 2238526, Japan
Zaiqing Chen: Graduate School of Business Administration, Keio University, Yokohama 2238526, Japan

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: This study focuses on the psychological state and economic preparedness of socially isolated older individuals in China’s rapidly aging society. Both a simple model and an extended model were developed and tested to explore the impact of social isolation on the subjective well-being of older adults by analyzing how social isolation, self-assessment of health, and anxiety about old age affect subjective well-being. The results indicated that both social isolation and self-assessment of health have a strong influence on subjective well-being, and that social isolation significantly alters older individuals’ perception of caregiving responsibility. While private insurance participation had a significant impact on the well-being of younger individuals, its effect on older adults was limited. These findings provide valuable insights for improving support systems for older people.

Keywords: social isolation; self-assessment of health; anxiety about old age; insurance participation; subjective well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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