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Health and Living Arrangement Transitions Among China’s Oldest-Old

Population Council, zzimmer{at}popcouncil.org

This article begins with the notion that the family in China acts altruistically, aiming toward the comfortable survival of all members. On the basis of this perspective, coresidence with older adults is more likely to occur when needs are greatest, for instance, when health deteriorates or a 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 using longitudinal data. Cross-sectional and transitional 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 a health event is most likely to trigger a living arrangement response for a woman. Implications for a rapidly aging China are discussed.

Key Words: living arrangements • coresidence • Asia • China • support • health status • functional limitations • oldest-old

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