Journal of Northeastern University(Social Science) ›› 2022, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (1): 79-87.DOI: 10.15936/j.cnki.1008-3758.2022.01.010

• Politics and Public Management • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Research on End-of-Life Living Arrangements and Health Among Older Adults in Rural China: Evidence from the 1998-2014 CLHLS

LI Man   

  1. (National School of Development, Peking University, Beijing 100081, China)
  • Published:2022-02-23
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Abstract: This paper uses data from the 1998-2014 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey(CLHLS) and studies the association between living arrangements and health amang older adults in rural China at the end of their lives. It is found in the study that over three quarters of rural older adults live with their children/grandchildren or transfer to co-reside with their children/grandchildren at the end of their lives. Older adults without a spouse, and with activitis of daily living(ADL) impairment or cognitive impairment are more likely to move to live with their children/grandchildren before they die, while only some of those with a spouse move to live with their children/grandchildren. Older adults without a spouse in better physical conditions are more likely to live alone before they die, but the risk of death during the same period is greatly increased. The paper suggests that considering the impact of the living arrangements and health of older adults at the end of their lives, the rural areas should develop hospice care that emphasizes on family support, and at the same time pay attention to the development of formal hospice care such as hospice care provided by institutions.

Key words: end of life; older adult in rural area; living arrangement; health

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