Reciprocal Dynamics of Solo-Living and Health Among Older Adults in Contemporary China

Danan Gu, Qiushi Feng, Wei-Jun Jean Yeung and Feinian Chen

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2019, vol. 74, issue 8, 1441-1452

Abstract: Objectives Solo-living has far-reaching implications for older adults’ well-being. The causal impacts and the pathways of solo-living on health and well-being of older adults are still unclear. This study examines the correlates of solo-living and subsequent health outcomes of solo-living among older adults in mainland China. Methods We draw data from four waves of a nationwide survey with a total of 9,714 older adults aged 65 or older who had at least three interviews in 2005–2014. A generalized structural equation modeling approach was applied to examine what factors are associated with solo-living status and whether and how the antecedent of solo-living status subsequently affects well-being and health. Results Owning a home, having no living child, and a preference to live independently are positively correlated with living alone, whereas living in a city, having economic independence, being educated, and having poor physical and cognitive functions are associated with lower odds of solo-living. Older Chinese adults who live alone are more likely to feel lonely and have a lower life satisfaction, yet they are more likely to be involved in social/leisure activities, and have fewer physical disabilities and a lower mortality risk. Discussion There is a bi-directional relationship between solo-living and well-being/health among the Chinese older adults. Solo-living is a conditioned choice of a set of critical factors among older Chinese. The greater involvement in social/leisure activities is likely a key for Chinese solo-living older adults to mitigate the negative impact of their lower psychological well-being on subsequent mortality.

Keywords: China; Generalized structural equation modeling; Health; Solo-living; Well-being (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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