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Chen T, Wei Y, Wang W, Yu Y, Shen X. Evaluating community-embedded elder care: A case study of supply and demand in Hangzhou, China. J Eval Clin Pract 2024; 30:1143-1152. [PMID: 38812124 DOI: 10.1111/jep.14028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION With China's urbanization and demographic shifts significantly affecting elder care, this study examines the alignment of community-based elder care services in Hangzhou's Hemu Community. It addresses the gap in understanding how these services meet the needs of an aging population in a rapidly changing social context. METHODS A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was utilized, involving interviews with community residents, observations of elder care service operations and thorough document analysis. The objective was to evaluate the adequacy, utilization and satisfaction levels concerning these elder care services. RESULTS The research identified that, although the services generally meet the community's needs, there are notable challenges in content specificity, quality assurance and promotional efforts. These challenges lead to resistance among older adults. Additionally, issues with service visibility and the lack of robust feedback mechanisms were noted. CONCLUSION This study highlights the critical need for a cooperative strategy involving government, community organizations, social entities and businesses in enhancing elder care services. It suggests that improvements in service visibility, content quality and targeted promotion are crucial to address the evolving needs of the aging population and to reduce reluctance in service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Chen
- Development Strategy and Cooperation Center, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences - Laboratory of Intelligent Society and Governance, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yujun Wei
- Development Strategy and Cooperation Center, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Laboratory of Philosophy and Social Sciences - Laboratory of Intelligent Society and Governance, Zhejiang Lab, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- College of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yayang Yu
- FESCO Adecco Zhejiang, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyi Shen
- China Search (Asia) Limited, Prosperity Millennia Plaza, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, China
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Deng R, Cheng M, Yan S, Zhang C, Zhao Y, Tang Q, Yao J. Trajectories of psychological adaptation to Chinese older internal migrants: a latent transition model. Aging Ment Health 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38902974 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2368630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the heterogeneity and transitions between psychological adaptation patterns in Chinese older internal migrants. This study addressed two questions: (a) Do distinct patterns of psychological adaptation exist among Chinese older internal migrants? (b) If so, what factors predict different trajectories? METHOD The study drew on two waves of data and involved 405 older internal migrants into Nanjing, China. First, a latent transition analysis was performed to visualize the different patterns of psychological adaptation. Second, an ecological model of resilience was used to identify the factors explaining the differences between adaptation patterns. RESULTS Three main trajectories of psychological adaptation among Chinese older internal migrants over time were: recovery, stability and deterioration. Adaptation trajectories were associated with age, gender, length of stay, psychological resilience, self-esteem, family support, social participation, and living with a spouse. CONCLUSION Chinese older internal migrants undertake heterogeneous psychological adaptation trajectories, and their positive adaptation is closely associated with coping resources. Our data may provide references for the identification of vulnerable older internal migrants, as well as the making of targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Deng
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingwen Cheng
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shiyuan Yan
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuefan Zhao
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Tang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Jiangsu Provincial Institute of Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Yuanfeng L, Xu Z. Active aging and health among older adults in China: a perspective based on downward intergenerational economic support. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1337829. [PMID: 38952730 PMCID: PMC11215973 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1337829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In China, the rapid progression of population aging presents significant challenges to society and the economy, drawing widespread attention to the health conditions of older adults. While aging is often seen as a societal burden, the phenomenon of intergenerational economic support reveals the potential for older adults to continue playing an active role within their families. This study delves into how older parents' financial support to their children can reciprocally influence their own health, exploring the potential non-linear relationships involved. Methods This research, utilizing data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, employs instrumental variable techniques and cross-sectional threshold models to examine how financial support provided by older adults to their children affects their health. It particularly highlights the varied impacts of economic support on older adults' health at different levels of support. Results The findings indicate that moderate intergenerational economic support significantly enhances the health of older adults, while either minimal or excessive financial support does not demonstrate the same positive effect. Additionally, subjective life expectancy plays a mediating role between intergenerational economic support and the health of older adults, further emphasizing the beneficial impact of economic support. Discussion The study underscores the importance of moderate intergenerational economic support in improving the health of older adults amidst aging challenges. Future policies and practices should consider how to encourage and optimize such support to address the challenges of an aging society, enhance the welfare of older adults, and promote healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhang Xu
- College of Public Administration and Law, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Liu Y, Xu W, Yang Z, Xu Z, Zhong Y. Factors influencing senior care and living preferences among older adults in Jiangsu, China: a cross-sectional survey study. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:723. [PMID: 38862909 PMCID: PMC11167893 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As the population ages, senior care for older adults in China has become increasingly important and has attracted the attention of both government and society. This study aimed to explore preferences and influencing factors related to senior care among older Chinese adults and thus propose effective and targeted strategies for the development of a comprehensive care system for older adults in the aging Chinese population. METHODS Data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey conducted in sixteen communities or villages in Jiangsu Province, China, from July to September 2021. Guided by the Andersen Behavioral Model, multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with preferences for senior care arrangements. RESULTS A total of 870 respondents were included in the study, 60.11% of whom preferred receiving care in their own homes, while only 13.68% chose residential care facilities (RCFs). For predisposing factors, rural respondents preferred receiving care in their own homes compared to urban respondents (children's home: OR = 0.55, P < 0.01; RCF: OR = 0.58, P < 0.01). Concerning enabling factors, respondents who were not employed (OR = 2.30, P < 0.01) and those without financial support (OR = 2.73, P < 0.05) preferred RCFs to their own homes. Respondents receiving life assistance (sometimes: OR = 2.76, P < 0.001; regularly: OR = 2.57, P < 0.01; every day: OR = 3.57, P < 0.001) preferred their children's homes to their own homes. In terms of need factors, respondents with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs, OR > 1, P < 0.05), those who knew about RCFs (some: OR = 0.53, P < 0.005; no: OR = 0.10, P < 0.001) and those with a good impression of RCFs (fair: OR = 3.72, P < 0.05; good: OR = 11.91, P < 0.001) preferred receiving care in RCFs compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Older Chinese adults' senior care preferences were affected by predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors. Policy-makers should consider targeted measures to identify more precise senior care services and thus address aging challenges in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Wang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Yitong Liu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Wenkun Xu
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Zhuoya Yang
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China
| | - Zhongying Xu
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, 19 Qi-xiu Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 226001, China
| | - Yaqin Zhong
- School of Public Health, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
- Institute for Health Development, Nantong University, 9 Se-yuan Road, Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, 210029, China.
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Wang P, Cheng X. The impact of intergenerational support on social participation patterns of older adults in rural China. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1392900. [PMID: 38887250 PMCID: PMC11182564 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1392900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to examine the association between different dimensions of bi-directional intergenerational support and the social participation patterns of rural older adults, while also exploring the heterogeneity of these older adults by gender and age. Methods Based on longitudinal survey data from the 'Well-Being of Older People in Anhui Province (WESAP)' in 2018 and 2021, this study used latent class analysis to identify social participation patterns and used multinomial logistic regressions to explore the relationship between intergenerational support and social participation patterns among rural older adults. Results First, the social participation patterns of rural older persons can be divided into four categories: leisure type (9%), work type (11%), housekeeping type (57.9%) and family labor type (22.1%). Second, there is heterogeneity in the relationship between intergenerational support and social participation patterns in older people, among them, receiving financial support decreased the likelihood of older adults being categorized as work type and family labor type by 14 and 7.7%, respectively, while providing financial support increased the likelihood of older adults belonging to the family labor type by 7.5%; receiving caring support increased the likelihood of older parents being categorized as leisure type by 6%, while providing caring support decreased the likelihood of older parents being categorized as leisure type by 10%; emotional support is related to all patterns of social participation among older adults. Third, the effects of intergenerational support vary across subgroups based on gender and age. Conclusion Two-way intergenerational support was significantly associated with social participation among rural older adults, and there was significant heterogeneity in this association. Children and older persons should be encouraged to strengthen two-way intergenerational mobility to give full play to the positive impact of different dimensions of intergenerational support on the social participation of older persons in rural areas, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for rural older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xin Cheng
- School of Management, Xi’an University of Science and Technology, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Kong D, Lu P, Wu B, Silverstein M. Parent-Child Relationship Typologies and Associated Health Status Among Older Adults in the United States and China: A Cross-Cultural Comparison. Innov Aging 2024; 8:igae050. [PMID: 38912424 PMCID: PMC11192862 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igae050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Cultural differences in intergenerational relationships have been well established in prior research. However, cross-national comparison evidence on the parent-child relationship and its health implications remains limited. Research Design and Methods Data from the 2014 U.S. Health and Retirement Study and the 2015 Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in China were used (N US, non-Hispanic Whites only = 3,918; N China = 4,058). Relationship indicators included coresidence, living nearby, having weekly contact, receiving assistance with daily activities, providing grandchild care, and financial transfer to/from children. Latent class and regression analyses were conducted. Results Four classes were identified for non-Hispanic White older Americans: (1) distant and uninvolved (6.58%), (2) geographically proximate with frequent contact and downward support (47.04%), (3) coresident with frequent contact and upward support (13.1%), and (4) geographically proximate with frequent contact (33.28%). Three classes were identified among older Chinese: (1) coresident with frequent contact and upward support (37.46%), (2) coresident/interdependent (25.65%), and (3) geographically proximate with frequent contact and upward financial support (36.89%). For non-Hispanic White older Americans, providing downward support was associated with fewer functional limitations and better cognition. Receiving instrumental support from children was associated with more depressive symptoms, more functional limitations, and poorer cognition among older Chinese. Discussion and Implications Cultural contrasts were evident in parent-child relationship typologies and their health implications. Compared to the U.S. non-Hispanic Whites, parent-child relationships in China tended to be closer and associated with poorer health status. The findings call for culturally relevant strategies to improve parent-child relationships and ultimately promote the health of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexia Kong
- Department of Social Work, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peiyi Lu
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Merril Silverstein
- Departments of Sociology, Maxwell School, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Falk College, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Li X, Zhang X, Liu J, Cao Y, Pi Z, Peng H. Is matching or discrepancy between filial piety expectation and filial support better? The role of filial support of children and social support. Psych J 2024. [PMID: 38618758 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Filial piety in traditional Chinese culture is an essential variable in explaining intergenerational interaction. However, previous studies have not clarified whether older adults' filial responsibility expectations matched children's filial support and the effects of the filial discrepancy on their life satisfaction and loneliness. The latent profile analysis showed that older adults were divided into two groups: (1) high expectations and support, and (2) low expectations and support. The results showed that compared with older adults with low expectations and low support, those with high expectations and high support reported higher life satisfaction and lower loneliness. Additionally, social support played a moderating role in the effect of the groups of older adults on life satisfaction and loneliness. Our conclusion shows that filial support is an essential factor influencing older adult life satisfaction and loneliness, and social support is an effective supplement to filial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiying Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
- Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education, Academy of Psychology and Behavior, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Educational and Psychological Science, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng, China
| | - Yuxiang Cao
- School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Anhui, China
| | - Zhongling Pi
- MOE Key Laboratory of Modern Teaching Technology, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, China
| | - Huamao Peng
- Institute of Developmental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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Han S, Guo J, Xiang J. Is intergenerational care associated with depression in older adults? Front Public Health 2024; 12:1325049. [PMID: 38347926 PMCID: PMC10859927 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1325049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background It has become an alarming issue that older adults in China are facing mental health issues, causing severe depression. In this context, intergenerational care, in which grandparents care for young children instead of the young parents, is gaining importance. This study aims to explore the correlation between intergenerational care and depression among older adults, seeking alternative approaches to enhancing their quality of life. This study concludes that intergenerational care is an effective strategy for promoting active aging. Methods This study used multiple linear regression, propensity score matching, and additional analysis of heterogeneity, mediation, and moderation effects, with data from the 2018 CHARLS survey. Results The results indicated a negative correlation between intergenerational care and depression among older adults. The correlation was stronger for females and younger older adults people. Additionally, social activities served as a mediator between intergenerational care and depression among older adults, and health satisfaction positively moderated this relationship. Conclusion This study posits that intergenerational care serves as an effective approach for promoting active aging. It emphasizes the necessity for supportive government policies and community-family collaborations to encourage intergenerational care and its beneficial impact on mental health among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shurong Han
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiahui Guo
- International Business School, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianjun Xiang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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An S, Ouyang W, Wang S, Yuan J, Zhen X. Marital transitions and frailty among middle-aged and older adults in China: The roles of social support. SSM Popul Health 2023; 24:101497. [PMID: 37674978 PMCID: PMC10477746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study explored the association of marital transitions and frailty among Chinese middle-aged and older people and whether this association differs by social support. Methods We used a sample of 12,388 adults aged ≥45 years who participated in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) between 2015 and 2018. Between-wave changes in marital status ("married at both times", "unmarried to married", "married to unmarried", "unmarried at both times") were used to explore the changes in frailty measured by the frailty index (FI), which was constructed from 55 health variables. Social support was evaluated based on social engagement and intergenerational support. The associations among marital transitions, social support and frailty were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Results The mean FI of 12,388 participants was 0.23 (SD = 0.13). Participants who were married to unmarried (β = 0.014, B = 0.005, P = 0.012) and unmarried at both times (β = 0.022, B = 0.003, P < 0.001) had significant a positive impact on FI compared with participants who were married at both times. Social engagement, financial support by children and providing care to grandchildren had an interactive effect with marital transitions in influencing FI. Conclusions Being unmarried may increase frailty among Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Financial support by children may mitigate the adverse effects of being unmarried on frailty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi An
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Wenwei Ouyang
- Key Unit of Methodology in Clinical Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuangshuang Wang
- School of Public Administration, Southwest Jiaotong University, No.111, North Section l, Second Ring Road, Chengdu, 61003, Sichuan, China
| | - Juan Yuan
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xuemei Zhen
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
- NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), No.44 Wenhuaxi Road, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
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Luo J, Ji M, Li M, Wang A. The impact of adult children's support on the psychological health of rural older adult people in China. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1230580. [PMID: 38026366 PMCID: PMC10657984 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1230580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family old-age care is dominant in Chinese rural society, and children's support is an important force in family old-age care. However, the migration of a large number of young and middle-aged rural laborers has undermined the traditional arrangements for old-age care in rural areas and affected the psychological health of the older adult. Methods 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey targets Chinese citizens aged 60 or older and covers 28 provinces in mainland China. In this paper, the database of the CLASS was selected for empirical analysis to explore the impact of children's support on the depression level and loneliness of rural older adults through multiple linear regression, and was divided into two groups according to children's migration to analyze heterogeneity. Results Children's financial support facilitates the maintenance of mental health among rural older adults. Children's support promotes mental health among rural older adults, but this association does not exist among older adults without children's migration. Individual characteristics of older people have a greater impact on mental health. Discussion Our study firstly compares the differences of children's migration status between children's support and mental health among the older adult in rural China. In order to improve the mental health of the older adult, it is necessary to create a favorable atmosphere of love and respect for the older adult, improve the social security system in rural areas, and give full play to the strengths of the social forces, so as to ensure that the older adult have a sense of worthiness and enjoyment in their old age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Minglu Ji
- School of Management, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
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Shen C, Wang DN, Gao XX, Zhao R, Dong C, Gu ZF, Gao JL. A study on the impact of the number of family generations on intergenerational support for centenarians: a study in a Chinese 'longevity city'. Psychogeriatrics 2023; 23:908-917. [PMID: 37652078 DOI: 10.1111/psyg.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a natural source of support for the elderly, the family is an important channel for achieving a sense of security, happiness, and worthiness in old age. In this study, we analysed the characteristics of intergenerational support in families of centenarians and explored the impact of the number of family generations on intergenerational support. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey between April 2020 and January 2021 among 62 elderly people aged 99+ in Rugao, China, one of six 'longevity cities' in the world. Assisted by the researchers, centenarians completed questionnaires with details pertaining to general demographics, intergenerational support, and other aspects. We used a logistic regression model to analyse the influence of the number of family generations on intergenerational support that the centenarians received with respect to economic, living, and emotional aspects. RESULTS Centenarians were primarily recipients of care in their families, and received intergenerational support mainly for their declined physical functions and limited self-care ability. The study results revealed that the greater the number of generations comprising the family, the greater was the intergenerational life care and emotional comfort provided for centenarians by the family. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we found a positive effect of the number of family generations on intergenerational support for centenarians. The government and society should promote the tradition of respecting, caring for, and honouring the elderly while paying close attention to the dynamic changes in the family structure of centenarians in promoting high-quality and sustainable development of the people, economy, and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Nursing, Research Center of Nursing, Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dan-Ni Wang
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xing-Xing Gao
- School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Nursing, Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Research Center of Nursing, Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Zhi-Feng Gu
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Key Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Rheumatology, Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jian-Lin Gao
- Research Center of Gerontology and Longevity, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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Zhang W, Silverstein M. Does the Economic Status of Adult Children Influence Self-Rated Health Among Older Adults in China? J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2023; 78:1604-1616. [PMID: 37210663 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbad078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to investigate the association between children's economic status and parents' self-rated health and examine the potential mediating mechanisms for this relationship. METHODS Utilizing nationally representative data in China in 2014, this study predicted parent's self-rated health from children's economic status using inverse probability of treatment weighting to account for selection and endogeneity bias. We further examined depressive symptoms, kin and nonkin social support networks, emotional closeness to children, and economic support from children, as potential mediators of this relationship. RESULTS The study reveals that parents whose children had greater economic success tended to have better self-rated health. For both rural and urban older adults, depressive symptoms served as the most influential mediator. However, only among rural older adults did the size of their support networks mediate the relationship between children's economic status and perceived health. DISCUSSION The results from this study suggest that children's economic success contributes to better self-rated health among older adults. In part, this relationship was explained by better emotional well-being and greater availability of support resources among parents in rural areas with successful children. This quasi-causal analysis demonstrates that adult children remain important for the well-being of their older parents in China, but also suggests that health inequalities in later life are exacerbated by the chance of having economically successful offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wencheng Zhang
- Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
| | - Merril Silverstein
- Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA
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Krishnapillai A, Kee CC, Ariaratnam S, Jaffar A, Omar MA, Sanaudi RB, Sooryanarayana R, Kiau HB, Ghazali SS, Mohd Tohit N, Zainal Abidin SI. Social Support among Older Persons and Its Association with Smoking: Findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2018. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2249. [PMID: 37628448 PMCID: PMC10454005 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, the average age of the world's population of older people continues to rise and having a good social support network becomes increasingly relevant with the aging populace. Overall, in Malaysia, social support prevalence was low among older persons. This study was conducted to determine the association between social support and smoking status among the older Malaysian population. METHODS Data were obtained from the National Health and Morbidity (NHMS) 2018 survey on the health of older Malaysian adults and analyzed. This cross-sectional population-based study used a two-stage stratified random sampling design. Sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status, and social support data were collected from respondents aged 60 years and more. A validated Malay language interviewer-administered questionnaire of 11-items, the Duke Social Support Index, was utilized to assess the social support status. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of social support and smoking status among the respondents. RESULTS The prevalence of good social support was significantly higher among the 60-69 years old (73.1%) compared to the ≥80 years old respondents (50%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that respondents aged ≥80 years old were 1.7 times more likely to have poor social support compared to those aged 60-69 years. Respondents with no formal education were 1.93 times more likely to have poor social support compared to respondents who had tertiary education. Respondents with an income of MYR 3000. Former smokers had good social support compared to current smokers (73.6% vs. 78.7%). For current smokers, they had poor social support, which is almost 1.42 times higher than that for non-smokers. CONCLUSION There was poor social support among older people who were current smokers, had an increased age, had no formal education and had a low income. The findings obtained from this study could assist policymakers to develop relevant strategies at the national level to enhance the social support status among older smokers and aid in their smoking cessation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambigga Krishnapillai
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, National Defense, University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Chee Cheong Kee
- Sector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (M.A.O.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Suthahar Ariaratnam
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sg. Buloh 47000, Malaysia;
| | - Aida Jaffar
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, National Defense, University of Malaysia, Sg. Besi 57000, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Azahadi Omar
- Sector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (M.A.O.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Ridwan B. Sanaudi
- Sector for Biostatistics and Data Repository, National Institutes of Health, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Shah Alam 40170, Malaysia; (M.A.O.); (R.B.S.)
| | - Rajini Sooryanarayana
- Family Health Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Putrajaya 62590, Malaysia; (R.S.); (S.I.Z.A.)
| | - Ho Bee Kiau
- Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanik, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Klang 42000, Malaysia;
| | - Sazlina Shariff Ghazali
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia;
- Laboratory of Medical Gerontology, Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia
| | - Noorlaili Mohd Tohit
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
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14
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Cao Y, Chen H, Yang X. The impact of medical insurance on family financial support: evidence from CHARLS in China. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2023; 13:39. [PMID: 37470912 PMCID: PMC10360264 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-023-00452-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In China, public medical insurance has expanded rapidly in the past 20 years. Many studies have discussed the benefits of medical insurance in improving residents' health and financial stability, and increasing the utilization of medical services. Less attention is paid to the effect of medical insurance on family support between parents and children. This study focuses on the effect of medical insurance on promoting family financial support in China. METHOD Fifty-five thousand sixty-two individual samples were obtained from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS): 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2018. Linear-regression model and propensity score matching are used to determine the relationship between medical insurance and family financial support. Then, mediation model is introduced to identify the mediation mechanisms. Also, moderation model is used to estimate the moderation effect of parental education and health. RESULTS Medical insurance has significantly increased family financial support between the insured parents and their children. Moreover, this positive effect is heterogeneous since only families living in rural areas were affected, and the direction of family financial support changed with the aging of the parents. The welfare of medical insurance on financial status have also been proven in this paper. The results indicate that medical insurance reduces the out-of-pocket ratio of medical expenses and increases health investment, which can perform as as two mediation mechanisms to affect family financial support. Besides, the education and health status of the insured parents play a role in moderating the effect of medical insurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Cao
- School of Finance, Chongqing Technology and Business University, Nan'an District, Chongqing, 400067, China
| | - Hua Chen
- School of Insurance, Central University of Finance and Economics, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Xiaoxu Yang
- School of Insurance, Central University of Finance and Economics, Changping District, Beijing, 102206, China.
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15
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Bramhankar M, Kundu S, Pandey M, Mishra NL, Adarsh A. An assessment of self-rated life satisfaction and its correlates with physical, mental and social health status among older adults in India. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9117. [PMID: 37277415 PMCID: PMC10241830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36041-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Life satisfaction refers to the assessment of one's own life in terms of self-perceived favourable qualities. It is an integral part of healthy and successful course of ageing. It is widely associated with the health status and social well-being. The present study attempted to determine the constructing factors of self-rated life satisfaction, such as socio-demographic, physical, social, and mental well-being of older adults. We analysed information from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI-1), the initial phase conducted during 2017-18 for the population of older adults in India. We applied descriptive statistics for prevalence assessment and association was checked using chi-square test. Further, to determine the adjusted outcome of predictor covariates on the likelihood of an individual being satisfied from life estimated by applying hierarchical multiple logistic regression models. Several noteworthy affirmations on the relationship between the socio-demographic variables and health risk behaviours with life satisfaction were observed. The results were consistent with studies showing change in life satisfaction subject to the state of physical and mental health, presence of chronic diseases, friends and family relations, dependency, and events of trauma or abuse. While comparing respondents, we found varying degrees of life satisfaction by gender, education, marital status, expenditure and other socio-economic features. We also found that besides physical and mental health, social support and well-being play a pivotal role in achieving higher life satisfaction among older adults. Overall, this work contributes to the study of the subjective well-being of older adults in India based on self-reported levels of life satisfaction and further narrows the gap in knowledge about associated behaviour. Hence, with on-going ageing scenario, there is need for multi-sectorial policy-oriented approaches at individual, family, and community level, which helps to take care of older-adults' physical, social, and mental health for the betterment of healthy ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahadev Bramhankar
- Department of Bio-Statistics and Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India.
| | - Sampurna Kundu
- Centre of Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Mohit Pandey
- Department of Bio-Statistics and Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Nand Lal Mishra
- Department of Bio-Statistics and Demography, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
- Department of Survey Research and Data Analytics, International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, India
| | - Adarsh Adarsh
- Laboratory of Population Health, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany
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16
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Wangliu Y. Does intergenerational support affect older People's social participation? An Empirical study of an older Chinese population. SSM Popul Health 2023; 22:101368. [PMID: 36873267 PMCID: PMC9974446 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
As a means of social support, intergenerational support plays an essential role in encouraging older people to participate in society. Data on 3142 older adults were collected from the China Survey of Elderly Health Influencing Factors (CLHLS), and logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of several types of intergenerational support on social participation and whether self-rated health and life satisfaction mediated the associations between intergenerational support and social participation. Among all the three types of intergenerational support, the results showed that financial support and emotional support were positively associated with the social participation of the older Chinese in our sample. We observed rural-urban differences in the effects of financial support and emotional support on social participation, which were significant in the urban groups. Gender differences also exist in these relationships. The effects of emotional support on social participation were significant in both groups and the impact of financial support was obvious only in the female group. Regarding the mediating effect, financial support was found to improve the participants' self-rated health, which enhanced their social participation. Emotional support increased the participants' life satisfaction, which led to higher levels of social participation. Based on the findings of this study, policymakers should advocate to strengthen financial and emotional support from adult children in the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Wangliu
- Department of Social Work, T.C. Cheng Building, United College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong
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17
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Sukontamarn P, Asadullah MN, Photphisutthiphong N, Nguyen YTH. Happiness in Old Age: The Daughter Connection. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2023; 24:1729-1757. [PMID: 37293325 PMCID: PMC10139918 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-023-00655-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Family and intergenerational relationships are becoming increasingly important as sources of support and care for the elderly population in rapidly ageing Asian societies. However, this has also raised concerns over reinforcement of cultural preference for sons as a source of old-age security. This paper therefore revisits the question-what determines happiness in old age-by investigating the role of adult children's gender in the context of Thailand, an ageing Asian country with no legacy of sex-preference in fertility. We employ nationally representative data to examine the association between old-age happiness and presence of a co-residing child. Compared to living alone, living with at least one child is found to positively associate with older persons' happiness. However, this result is specific to daughters. Moreover, compared to older men, women systematically benefit from a "daughter effect". Co-residing daughters with university education and those who maintain a good relationship with their parents help explain the positive happiness effect on older persons. Co-residing daughters are also positively linked to reduced loneliness; improved self-rated health; and improved economic conditions of older parents. Our findings suggest that policies that increase human capital of the girl child and enhance family solidarity are likely to have long term intergenerational wellbeing benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Niaz Asadullah
- Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Monash University Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Yen Thi Hai Nguyen
- College of Population Studies, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Vienna Institute of Demography, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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18
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Privitera AJ, Zhou Y, Xie X. Inhibitory control as a significant predictor of academic performance in Chinese high schoolers. Child Neuropsychol 2023; 29:457-473. [PMID: 35816416 DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2022.2098941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies investigating the relationship between cognitive function and academic performance have recently shifted focus from differences in intelligence to executive function. To date, these studies have focused disproportionately on samples recruited from Western countries, despite evidence in support of cultural differences in the development of executive function. To address this gap, the present study investigated whether differences in two dimensions of executive function, inhibitory and attentional control, could predict academic performance in a sample of Chinese adolescents (n = 42). Participants reported on demographic details and completed both the Simon task and Attention Network Test. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression controlling for gender, age, SES, English language proficiency, processing speed, and fluid intelligence. Results showed that one index of inhibitory control derived from non-cue trials on the Attention Network Test explained a significant amount of unique variance in academic performance. Our findings provide evidence that executive function, specifically inhibitory control, plays a significant role in academic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam John Privitera
- College of Liberal Arts, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, China.,Faculty of Education, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Xiaoyi Xie
- College of Liberal Arts, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou, China
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19
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Wang Q, Walsh CA, Tong H. The Lived Experiences of Spousal Bereavement and Adjustment Among Older Chinese Immigrants in Calgary. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2023:10.1007/s10823-023-09477-3. [PMID: 37004605 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-023-09477-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Spousal bereavement poses considerable challenges to adults in late life. Some populations, such as older immigrants, may experience heightened negative outcomes as a consequence of spousal bereavement, due to migratory stress and social isolation. Spousal bereavement is culturally embedded as it is related to cultural beliefs and attitudes concerning death and family relationships. However, studies on spousal bereavement or widowhood among older immigrants are extremely limited. This study aims to fill the gap by exploring, via a phenomenological approach, the lived experiences of widowed older Chinese immigrants in Calgary and responding to the question: What are the lived experiences of widowed Chinese older immigrants in coping with their spousal bereavement? With the data drawn from 12 in-depth qualitative interviews, findings were categorized into individual, family, community and societal levels. Study participants experienced long-lasting grief that was private and impacted by their culture and immigration status. Although family and ethno-cultural communities provided various types of supports during participants' widowhood, they did not directly assist them in coping with spousal loss. Most participants did not access social services for bereavement support, more often relying on cultural rituals and faith practices. Findings suggest the need for culturally appropriate bereavement supports and family/community involvement for older immigrant adults who have experienced spousal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Wang
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Department of Social Welfare, The University of California, Los Angeles, California, United States.
| | - Christine A Walsh
- Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, University Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Hongmei Tong
- Faculty of Health and Community Studies, MacEwan University, Edmonton, Canada
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20
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Fang Z, Liu Y, Jiang F, Dong W. How does family support influence digital immigrants' extended use of smartphones? An empirical study based on
IT
identity theory. J Assoc Inf Sci Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/asi.24747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Zian Fang
- Business School Central South University Changsha China
| | - Yongmei Liu
- Business School Central South University Changsha China
| | - Fei Jiang
- Business School Central South University Changsha China
| | - Wei Dong
- Business School Central South University Changsha China
- Information Systems City University of Hong Kong Kowloon China
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21
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Shao C, Li W. Pension level, subjective wellbeing, and preference of care model among elderly people: An empirical study based on structural equation modeling. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1104556. [PMID: 36844815 PMCID: PMC9947843 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1104556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The problem of population aging is becoming increasingly serious, and the elderly care model has become the social focus in China. It is urgent to improve the traditional home based elderly care model and increase the recognition of the residents for the socialized elderly care model. Based on the data of the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), this paper uses structural equation model (SEM) to empirically test the impact of the elderly group's social pension level and subjective well-being on their choice of various care models. The results show that the improvement of elderly's pension level can significantly inhibit their choice of home-based care model, and promote their choice of community and institution care model. Subjective well-being can play a mediating role in the home-based and community care model choices, but the indirect approach mediated by subjective well-being only plays a supplementary role. In addition, the heterogeneity analysis shows that there are discrepancies in the impact and path for the elderly with different gender, age, household registration, marital status, health status, education level, number of children, and gender of children. The results of this study will help the improvement and development of social pension policy, optimizing the structure of residents' elderly care model and the process of "active aging".
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyang Shao
- Business School, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenshun Li
- School of Economics and Management, Tongji University, Shanghai, China,*Correspondence: Wenshun Li ✉
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22
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Dong X, Ling H, Yang T, Wang K. Grandchild care and life satisfaction of older adults: Empirical evidence from China. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1081559. [PMID: 36814668 PMCID: PMC9939526 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1081559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In China, grandchild care plays an important social role later in life. The effects of grandchild care on physical health and depression in older adults have been illustrated. However, there is a gap in research on grandchild care and life satisfaction of older adults specifically based on the Chinese experience. Method Based on 7,079 individuals' data from 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS), this study explored the impact of grandchild care on older adults' life satisfaction by using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Propensity Score Matching (PSM), and instrumental variables (IV) models. Results The empirical results indicated that (1) life satisfaction was significantly higher for older adults who undertook grandchild care compared to those who did not; (2) non-coresiding grandparents showed higher life satisfaction than those non-carers, and this effect was not found in custodial grandparents or three-generation household grandparents; (3) higher life satisfaction of grandchild caregivers was achieved through reduced loneliness, enhanced self-efficacy, and increased emotional support from children, with the latter being the greatest contribution; and (4) the improving effect of grandchild care on life satisfaction was found mainly in the group of older adults who were male and in rural households. Conclusion There was a significant difference in life satisfaction between older Chinese adults who provided grandchild care and those who did not. Efforts in terms of old age policy protection and family relationships should be made to enhance the subjective well-being of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Dong
- School of Humanities and Law, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongxiang Ling
- School of Society and Psychology, Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Yang
- School of Philosophy, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Zhou Enlai School of Government, Nankai University, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Kun Wang,
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23
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Ren P, Klausen SH. Smartphone use, intergenerational support and older adults’ wellbeing. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04309-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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24
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Wang N, Evandrou M, Falkingham J, Xu M. Typologies of Intergenerational Relations in Urban and Rural China: A Latent Class Analysis. J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:313-323. [PMID: 36283809 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221133811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding intergenerational relations in China has become increasingly important against a backdrop of rapid social and demographic transitions and an ongoing urban-rural divide. From the parental perspective, this research investigates patterns and determinants of intergenerational relations between middle-aged and older parents and their non-coresident children in urban and rural China using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2018) (N = 14,616). Latent class analysis revealed three typologies of intergenerational relations found across both urban and rural China - Tight-knit, Support-at-distance and Material-oriented-detached, and one typology particularly for urban China - Staying-in-touch-but-independent. The observed patterns suggest intergenerational bonds remain solid alongside the emergence of new trends, reflecting the modernization process. Multivariate multinomial regression analysis identified determinants for membership of each relationship typology. The findings will inform policy-makers and care professionals, supporting the identification of the vulnerable groups and the design of targeted policies for older parents with different family resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Wang
- School of Social and Public Administration, 47860East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Maria Evandrou
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Faculty of Social Sciences, 7423University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, 214229University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jane Falkingham
- ESRC Centre for Population Change, Faculty of Social Sciences, 214229University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maodi Xu
- Research Institute of Social Development, 12603Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu, China
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25
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Liu S, Zhang W, Zhang K, Wu B. The Association between Intergenerational Support and Self-Rated Health among Chinese Older Adults: Do Resilience and Gender Matter? J Appl Gerontol 2023; 42:111-120. [PMID: 36204775 DOI: 10.1177/07334648221127882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to examine the association between intergenerational support and self-rated health (SRH) levels using data collected from Chinese older adults residing in Honolulu, United States (N = 329). We also investigated the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of gender in the association. We found that receiving emotional support was significantly and positively associated with better SRH for the whole sample. The positive effect of receiving emotional support on health was significant among older women only. In contrast, the beneficial effect of providing economic support on health was significant among older men only. We found that resilience significantly mediated the positive effect of received emotional support on SRH, and this effect was found for the whole sample and among older women. However, resilience did not mediate the positive effect of the economic support provided on SRH among older men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Liu
- Department of Economic Sociology, 12634Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Sociology, 204835University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, USA
| | - Keqing Zhang
- School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China
| | - Bei Wu
- School of English and International Studies, Beijing Foreign Studies University, Beijing, China.,Rory Meyers College of Nursing, 5894New York University, New York, USA
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26
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Nagargoje VP, James KS, Muhammad T. Moderation of marital status and living arrangements in the relationship between social participation and life satisfaction among older Indian adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20604. [PMID: 36446850 PMCID: PMC9708669 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Social participation is considered one of the central components of successful and healthy aging. This study aimed to examine the moderating role of marital status and living arrangement with social participation and its association with life satisfaction of older Indian adults. Samples of 31,464 individuals aged ≥ 60 years were extracted from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India, wave-1. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable linear regression were performed for the analysis. The moderation effect of marital status and living arrangements on the relationship between social participation and level of life satisfaction among Indian older adults were also analyzed. Overall, life satisfaction among older men was relatively higher than older women in this study. Older adults' involvement in social participation [β = 0.39, p < 0.05], being in marital union [β = 0.68, p < 0.001] and co-residing either with spouse [β = 1.73, p < 0.001] or with other family members [β = 2.18, p < 0.001] were positively related to their greater life satisfaction. Interaction of social participation with marital status showed that participating in social activities can boost life satisfaction only among married older people. Further, moderation effect of social participation with living arrangements showed that older adults who were not involved in social participation but living with a spouse or any other household members had higher life satisfaction, and again participation in social activities increased their life satisfaction to a greater level. The establishment of social clubs and advocating social policies oriented toward meaningful social connections are highly needed, especially for older Indians living alone or currently not in a marital union, which will help to enhance their overall life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varsha P. Nagargoje
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - K. S. James
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - T. Muhammad
- grid.419349.20000 0001 0613 2600International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, 400088 India
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27
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Chen F, Zheng M, Xu J, Hall BJ, Pan Y, Ling L, Chen W. Impact of migration status on incidence of depression in the middle-aged and elderly population in China: Exploring healthy migrant and salmon bias hypotheses from a mental health perspective. J Affect Disord 2022; 315:182-189. [PMID: 35926662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The healthy migrant and salmon bias hypotheses stipulate that those who are healthier are more likely to migrate (a selection effect) and unhealthy migrants have a greater tendency to return to their origin communities than healthier migrants. It remains unclear whether the hypotheses are relevant for mental health, although they have robust evidence for physical health. The current study expands the theoretical foundation underlying these hypotheses by exploring the impact of migration status on depression among the middle-aged and older population in China. METHOD Longitudinal data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2018 were used. Participants were divided into three groups, non-migrants, permanent migrants, and return-migrants according to their migration status. The Chinese version of 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale was used to assess clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Incidence were estimated by each migration status and compared across strata using log-rank tests. Cox regression models were fit to assess the relationship between migration status and depression incidence. RESULTS A total of 9264 middle-aged and elderly participants were included, of whom 7047 (76.1 %) were non-migrants, 1065 (11.5 %) were permanent migrants, and 1152 (12.4 %) were return-migrants, respectively. Incidence rates of depression by different migration statuses were 76.6/103 person-years (73.7/103-79.7/103) in non-migrants, 62.9/103 person-years (55.9/103-70.6/103) in permanent migrants, and 67.3/103 person-years (60.7/103-74.5/103) in return-migrants. After controlling for covariates, only permanent migrants had significantly lower incidence of depression than non-migrants (HR: 0.85 (0.75, 0.96)). After stratifying by current place of residence, urban-permanent-migrants had a lower risk of depression than both rural and urban non-migrants, and the HRs and 95%CIs were 0.62 (0.52-0.74) and 0.81 (0.68-0.97). LIMITATIONS Migration statuses of participants may have changed over time, but due to the lack of raw data on migration status in 2013 and 2015, we used migration status at baseline. We were also not able to contextualize the migration experiences among those who migrated, and these trajectories may be heterogeneous. CONCLUSION Using depression as an indicator of mental health, the healthy migrant hypothesis was supported among middle-aged and elderly permanent migrants living in urban areas while the salmon bias hypothesis was not. Significant urban-rural inequities in mental health existed among different types of migrants. Especially among permanent migrants who have migrated and converted Hukou from their original registration place to their current residence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Meng Zheng
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jiaqi Xu
- Longgang Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Shenzhen, Shenzhen, China
| | - Brian J Hall
- Center for Global Health Equity, New York University Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Pan
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li Ling
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Wen Chen
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China; Center for Migrant Health Policy, Sun Yat-sen University, #74 Zhongshan Road 2, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Shen K, Yang X. Caring for grandchildren and life satisfaction of grandparents in China. AGING AND HEALTH RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ahr.2022.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022] Open
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Wang Y, Yang W. Does Receiving Informal Care Lead to Better Health Outcomes? Evidence From China Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Res Aging 2022; 44:510-518. [PMID: 34772286 PMCID: PMC9284086 DOI: 10.1177/01640275211052834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Population aging has become a global challenge. Drawing data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey 2008, 2011, and 2014, this study examines the effect of informal care receipt on functional limitations and depressive symptoms among older people in China using lagged fixed effects model. Our findings suggest that receiving informal care is significantly associated with a slower functional decline. We also find that this effect varies across different income groups. The protective effect of informal care is more pronounced among older people with higher income compared to those with lower income. We do not observe any significant associations between receiving informal care and depressive symptoms of older people. This study highlights a pressing need for the Chinese government to establish a comprehensive long-term care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixiao Wang
- Department of Global Health and Social
Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Global Health and Social
Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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The Impact of Social Pension Schemes on the Mental Health of the Chinese Elderly: A Mediating Effect Perspective of Two-Way Intergenerational Support. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148721. [PMID: 35886572 PMCID: PMC9316007 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
With the rapid decline in China’s fertility rate, the acceleration of aging, the continuous miniaturization and nucleation of China’s family structure, and the deterioration of the elderly’s living conditions and mental states, the elderly’s mental health has emerged as a major public health issue and a major social problem. Pensions are the elderly’s primary source of income, and they can help them meet their basic needs while also promoting family harmony and improving their mental health. Based on the data of the 2012, 2016, and 2018 Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we empirically examined the impact of pensions on the elderly’s mental health by using the fixed effects model, mediating effect model, and so on. The results show that receiving pension benefits can significantly reduce the level of depression and improve the mental health of the elderly. Receiving pension benefits causes reverse intergenerational economic transfer, which reduces the effect of pensions on the elderly’s mental health to some extent, but the life care and mental comfort provided by children increases when the elderly share pensions with their children. Overall, receiving pension benefits improves the mental health of the elderly. In addition, the effect of pensions on the elderly with different characteristics is heterogeneous. The older elderly, women, the elderly living with their children, and the elderly in rural areas all benefit more from receiving pension benefits. Moreover, the worse the mental health of the elderly is, the stronger the influence of pensions on their mental health is. Our discussion has important policy implications.
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Pan Z, Chen JK. Association of Received Intergenerational Support with Subjective Well-Being among Elderly: The Mediating Role of Optimism and Sex Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19137614. [PMID: 35805273 PMCID: PMC9266027 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19137614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Even though an extensive body of previous research has examined the association between received intergenerational support and the well-being outcomes of older adults in a wide variety of contexts, few studies have been conducted to explore the impacts of intergenerational support on elders’ subjective well-being, especially the intermediary mechanisms in this process. The purpose of this study is to fill this gap by exploring the mediating role of optimism in the association between received intergenerational support and subjective well-being among the elderly in China, as well as the sex differences that exist between males and females. The findings show that the intergenerational support received from adult children is positively related to subjective well-being and that this relationship is partly mediated by optimism. Meanwhile, no significant sex difference was found in the interrelations between intergenerational support, optimism, and subjective well-being.
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Zhang Y, Harper S. The impact of son or daughter care on Chinese older adults' mental health. Soc Sci Med 2022; 306:115104. [PMID: 35724587 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.115104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The traditional cultural norm in China is that eldercare should be offered by a son and his family. However, several decades of family planning policies and rapid economic growth have led to low fertility rates, urbanisation, and cultural change, resulting in both reduced household size and the availability of sons. The traditional eldercare system is thus being challenged, especially in urban areas, with an increasing number of daughters supporting their parents, enabled by rising female empowerment, formal economic employment and improved financial capacities. Existing studies examine and compare the amount and types of support provided by sons and daughters, but very little is known about the differential health outcomes of parents experiencing eldercare offered by sons and by daughters. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the difference in mental health outcomes of parents who receive eldercare from their sons and from their daughters. METHOD We analyse waves 2013, 2015, and 2018 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, with mental health measured by a 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D-10) score. We compare the CES-D-10 score between parents with different sources of care - son's family, daughter's family or other - with multivariate statistical analysis. RESULTS Receiving regular care from a son (or a daughter-in-law) is associated with a lower CES-D score than from a daughter (or a son-in-law). The difference mainly exists amongst those with a stronger son preference and those who are heavily deponent on their children, in particular rural parents, mothers, and those with less wealth. CONCLUSION Our study explores the evidence on mental health inequalities among parents with different sources of care, highlighting that lack of son care creates an apparent mental health disadvantage. Lowering older adults' dependency on their children may alleviate this inequality by improving their financial independence. We also suggest the development of a long-term care system and greater facilitation of older adults to take-up supplementary services for family care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhang
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, UK.
| | - Sarah Harper
- Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, University of Oxford, UK
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Krings MF, van Wijngaarden JDH, Yuan S, Huijsman R. China's Elder Care Policies 1994-2020: A Narrative Document Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106141. [PMID: 35627677 PMCID: PMC9141963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Until the 1980s, institutional elder care was virtually unknown in China. In a few decades, China had to construct a universal social safety net and assure basic elderly care. China’s government has been facing several challenges: the eroding traditional family care, the funding to assure care services for the older population, as well as the shortage of care delivery services and nursing staff. This paper examines China’s Five-Year Policy Plans from 1994 to 2020. Our narrative review analysis focuses on six main topics revealed in these policies: care infrastructure, community involvement, home-based care, filial piety, active aging and elder industry. Based on this analysis, we identified several successive and often simultaneously strategic steps that China introduced to contend with the aging challenge. In Western countries, elder care policies have been shifting to the home care approach. China introduced home care as the elder care cornerstone and encouraged the revival of the filial piety tradition. Although China has a unique approach, the care policies for the aged population in China and Western countries are converging by emphasizing home-based care, informal care and healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion F. Krings
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.F.K.); (J.D.H.v.W.); (R.H.)
| | - Jeroen D. H. van Wijngaarden
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.F.K.); (J.D.H.v.W.); (R.H.)
| | - Shasha Yuan
- Institute of Medical Information & Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100020, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Robbert Huijsman
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, P.O. Box 738, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands; (M.F.K.); (J.D.H.v.W.); (R.H.)
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34
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Zheng X, Li H. How Chinese children's filial piety beliefs affect their parents' life satisfaction and loneliness. Psych J 2022; 11:863-872. [PMID: 35562331 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Filial piety (or xiao) is a unique Chinese culture that affects older adults' life satisfaction and loneliness. Guided by the dual filial piety model and socioemotional selectivity theory, this study explores how adult children's filial piety beliefs affect their parent's life satisfaction and loneliness. A total of 350 pairs of parent-child data were collected through a parent-child pair design. Results show that emotional support provided by adult children and emotional support perceived by parents (i.e., the transmission of emotional support) fully mediated the relationship between children's reciprocal filial piety belief and parents' life satisfaction and loneliness, and partially mediated the relationship between children's authoritarian filial piety belief and parents' life satisfaction and loneliness. However, instrumental support provided by adult children and instrumental support perceived by parents (i.e., the transmission of instrumental support) had no such mediating roles in the relationship between adult children's filial piety beliefs and parents' life satisfaction and loneliness. This finding suggests that to improve parental well-being, adult Chinese children should cultivate their filial piety and pay close attention to their parents' emotional needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqian Zheng
- School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- School of Psychology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
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Gou Y, Wu N, Xia J, Liu Y, Yang H, Wang H, Yan T, Luo D. Province- and Individual-Level Influential Factors of Depression: Multilevel Cross-Provinces Comparison in China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:893280. [PMID: 35602157 PMCID: PMC9120660 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.893280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid social change has given rise to a general increase in psychological pressure, which has led to more and more Chinese people suffering from depression over the past 30 years. Depression was influenced not only by individual factors but also by social factors, such as economy, culture, politics, etc. These social factors were measured at the national, provincial, or community levels. However, little literature reported the influence of province-level factors on the depression of Chinese. This study examined the effects of province-level and individual-level factors on depression of Chinese respondents aged 16–97 years. We conducted a multilevel analysis of the 2018 wave survey of the Chinese Family Panel Studies (CFPS), with 19,072 respondents nested within the 25 Chinese provinces. Data for the province-level were extracted from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, including three predictors: gross regional product (GRP) per capita, expenditure for social security and employment (ESSE), and rural and urban household income inequality. Depression was measured with the eight-item short version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D8). The study found that respondents who were female, 30–59 years, divorced or widowed, less educated, rural residents, less body mass index (BMI), or had lower household income tended to report higher levels of depressive symptoms. After adjustment for individual-level features, a significant effect of provinces still survived. The respondents who lived in a province with higher GRP, higher ESSE, or smaller rural and urban household income inequality reported lower depressive symptoms. Our results demonstrated that individual features did not fully explain depression. Economic and social factors appeared to impact depression and have to be considered when the government planned for improved public depression. Meanwhile, our research also provided a suggestion for the government of some provinces to investigate and improve depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Gou
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nianwei Wu
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Research Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Medical Research Center, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xia
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, West China School of Public Health, West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Research Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huawu Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tong Yan
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Research Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, College of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Tong Yan
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of General Surgery, The Center of Gastrointestinal and Minimally Invasive Surgery, The Third People's Hospital Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Department of General Surgery, Center for Obesity and Metabolic Health, The Third People's Hospital of Chengdu, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
- Dan Luo
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Yang C, Sun X, Duan W. Widowhood and Life Satisfaction Among Chinese Elderly Adults: The Influences of Lifestyles and Number of Children. Front Public Health 2022; 9:754681. [PMID: 35155332 PMCID: PMC8826226 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.754681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study examined how lifestyle and number of children influence the relationship between widowhood and life satisfaction based on self-regulation theory. A sample of 2,968 elderly respondents (male = 1,515, female = 1,453, mean age = 69.12 years, SD = 7.24) participated in Chinese General Social Survey. Our findings suggest that lifestyle is positively related to life satisfaction, and number of children is positively associated with life satisfaction but negatively related to lifestyle. The moderated mediation model demonstrated that lifestyle partly mediated the relationship between widowhood and life satisfaction. Moreover, number of children moderated the relationship between widowhood and lifestyle and between lifestyle and satisfaction with life. Widowed elderly individuals who have more children are likely to show a higher level of satisfaction with life. The present study has significance in practice because it provides empirical implications obtained from a national survey on the universal two-child policy in China as two children might decrease the negative impacts of widowhood on life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyun Yang
- School of Philosophy and Law & Political Science, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xixi Sun
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Duan
- School of Social and Public Administration, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Wang X, Guo J, Liu H, Zhao T, Li H, Wang T. Impact of Social Participation Types on Depression in the Elderly in China: An Analysis Based on Counterfactual Causal Inference. Front Public Health 2022; 10:792765. [PMID: 35433576 PMCID: PMC9010741 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.792765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, and has become one of the key issues in the public health sector. Social participation is one of the most important measures to support the rapidly aging population and can reduce the risk of depression in the elderly. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between different types of social participation and depression in the elderly, and reduce the level of depression in the elderly by promoting social participation. Methods In order to accurately evaluate the causal relationship between participation in different types of social activities and depression in the elderly, this paper uses propensity score matching (PSM) for analysis based on counterfactual framework. The specific matching methods used are: k-nearest neighbor matching method, kernel matching method and radius matching method. Results In this study, 31.4% of the elderly have depression, and the proportion of female elderly is significantly higher. Participation in different social activities has different effects on depression in the elderly. Taking into account sample selection bias, participation in friend-making, exercise, and recreational activities can effectively reduce the risk of depression in the elderly. Compared with other social activities, participation in exercise and recreational activities are more helpful to reduce the risk of depression in the elderly. Participating in exercise activities only reduces the risk of depression in 60–69-year-olds, while participating in economic activities increases the risk of depression in the elderly aged 70 and over. Compared with the male elderly, participation in friend-making, exercise, and recreational activities results in the female elderly having stronger resistance to the risk of depression. Conclusions Depression was prevalent among the elderly. Through PSM analysis, different types of social participation have different effects on depression in the elderly. In order to maximize the positive effects of different types of social participation on depression in the elderly, it is necessary to provide differentiated social support environment for the elderly. Expanding the research on the relationship between social participation and depression of the elderly will help to formulate more reasonable public health policies and improve the mental health of the elderly.
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Xu Y, Luo Y. The Effect of Adult Children's Education Attainment on Their Parents' Cognitive Health: An Intergenerational Support Perspective. Front Public Health 2022; 10:744333. [PMID: 35223718 PMCID: PMC8864153 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.744333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adult children's education attainment and their parents' cognitive health, and to further explore the mechanism of intergenerational support. Based on empirical analysis of data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey, our study finds a positive association between children's educational attainment and parents' cognitive health. This correlation is provided for by emotional communication of informal caregiving, financial support, and healthy behaviors shaped in the parents by adult children. The strength of the effect varied by the adult child's gender. While sons' education attainment significantly improves parental cognitive parameters through informal caregiving, financial support, and development of healthy behaviors, the effect of daughters' education derives from financial support and healthy behaviors, not being related to informal caregiving. The study enriches the evidence on the mobility of children's human capital toward their parents and provides practical insights for advancing children's participation in family caregiving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaping Luo
- School of Public Policy and Management, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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Sun Q, Wang Y, Lu N, Lyu S. Intergenerational support and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural China: the moderating roles of age, living alone, and chronic diseases. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:83. [PMID: 35086485 PMCID: PMC8796626 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02738-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While depressive symptoms are recognized as major mental health problems in later life, there is a lack of study in examining potential moderators in the association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms, especially in social contexts with low socioeconomic status and inadequate formal public support. This study set out to examine the association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms among older adults in rural Northeast China, and the potential moderating roles of age, living alone, and number of chronic diseases on this link. Methods A quota sampling approach was used to recruit 448 respondents aged 60 and above from rural Chinese communities. Depressive symptoms were the dependent variable. Intergenerational emotional, instrumental, and financial support were the main independent variables. Age, living alone, and number of chronic diseases were the moderators. Multiple linear regression models with interaction terms were conducted to test the proposed model. Results The results showed that intergenerational emotional support was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in older adults when instrumental and financial support and covariates were controlled (β = -0.196, p < .001). Age was found to have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between intergenerational instrumental support and depressive symptoms (β = -0.118, p < .05). Among older respondents aged 74.51 years and older, instrumental support was positively associated with depressive symptoms, but this association was not significant for younger respondents. Furthermore, living alone and number of chronic diseases suffered moderated the association between intergenerational financial support and depressive symptoms, which was statistically significant only for those living alone and with more chronic diseases (interaction term between living alone and intergenerational financial support: β = -0.082, p < .05; interaction term between number of chronic diseases and intergenerational financial support: β = -0.088, p < .05. Conclusions The findings not only highlight the important role of intergenerational support in promoting mental health in later life in rural Chinese contexts, but also identify within-population heterogeneity in the identified associations. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Sun
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Administration, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center On Morality and Law-based Social Governance, Shijiazhuang, China.,Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Youwei Wang
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Administration, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China.
| | - Nan Lu
- Sau Po Centre on Ageing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Lyu
- Department of Social Security, School of Public Administration, Hebei University of Economics and Business, Shijiazhuang, China
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Vaccaro JA, Gaillard TR, Marsilli RL. Review and Implications of Intergenerational Communication and Social Support in Chronic Disease Care and Participation in Health Research of Low-Income, Minority Older Adults in the United States. Front Public Health 2021; 9:769731. [PMID: 35004581 PMCID: PMC8728749 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.769731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Health disparities disproportionally affect Black and Hispanic older US adults. Health research is needed to understand and eliminate these disparities; however, older adults, and particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino older adults are underrepresented in health research. Adult children have influenced health behavior and health outcomes of their older parents in several demographics in the US. Analysis of these studies can lead to a model for the development of interventions aimed at improving health and healthcare participation of older Black and Hispanic US adults. Objectives: To review the role of intergenerational communication and social support in health behavior, health research, and health outcomes for older adults and to apply these findings toward a model for health interventions for Black and Hispanic US older adults. Methods: An analytical narrative review and application toward an intervention model. Results: Key topic areas were reviewed and analyzed by examining studies that applied forms of intergenerational communication and/or intergenerational social support with the goal of either improving health, disease management and/or participation in health research in populations world-wide. Next, a model for providing health interventions in older Black and Hispanic US adults was developed using strategies gleaned from the findings. Conclusion: A model for health intervention for Black and Hispanic/Latino US older adults was presented based on an analytical review and intergenerational communication and/or social support. Qualitative data are necessary to understand the enablers and barriers of intergenerational communication and social support to improve health outcomes in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan A. Vaccaro
- Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Trudy R. Gaillard
- Nichole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States,*Correspondence: Trudy R. Gaillard
| | - Ramces L. Marsilli
- Information and Research Service, Library Operations, Florida International University, Miami, FL, United States
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The Impact of Leisure Activities on the Mental Health of Older Adults: The Mediating Effect of Social Support and Perceived Stress. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2021; 2021:6264447. [PMID: 34790344 PMCID: PMC8592769 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6264447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
As the aging continues, China has become the country with the largest older population. In order to ensure the well-being of older adults in their later years, the whole society is increasingly concerned about the mental health of older adults. In 2019, we conduct a questionnaire survey in Shaanxi Province. Stratified random sampling is used to select three representative cities, and 677 samples are selected from the survey results for research. By using the structural equation model, we aim to reveal the mechanism of leisure activities' influence on mental health of the older adults and verify whether social support and perceived stress play a mediating role. The study finds that the older adults' leisure activities have no significant direct impact on mental health. Social support has a significant mediating effect between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. Leisure activities indirectly affect the mental health of the older adults through social support, and participation in leisure activities can improve the social support of the older adults, thus improving the mental health level of the older adults. Perceived stress plays a significant mediating role between leisure activities and mental health of the older adults. By participating in leisure activities, the perceived stress of the older adults will be reduced, thus improving their mental health. Social support and perceived stress play a sufficient mediating role in the influence of leisure activities on mental health.
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Greenblatt-Kimron L, Kestler-Peleg M, Even-Zohar A, Lavenda O. Death Anxiety and Loneliness among Older Adults: Role of Parental Self-Efficacy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189857. [PMID: 34574776 PMCID: PMC8470864 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Death anxiety and loneliness are major issues for older people. The present study aimed to broaden the understanding of factors that are linked with increased loneliness in old age by examining the association between death anxiety and loneliness, and the role of an unexplored variable among older adults, namely, parental self-efficacy. A convenience sample of 362 Israeli parents over the age of 65 was recruited through means of social media. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires, which included background characteristics, death anxiety, parental self-efficacy, and loneliness measures. The findings showed that death anxiety was positively associated with loneliness among older adults. The findings also confirmed that parental self-efficacy moderated this association in this population. We concluded that the combination of death anxiety and low parental self-efficacy identified a group of older adults that are at higher risk of developing increased loneliness levels. Mental health professionals should consider intergenerational relationships as a fundamental component of older adults' daily lives, focusing on parental self-efficacy in old age, as this appears to be a resilience resource.
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Srivastava S, Shaw S, Chaurasia H, Purkayastha N, Muhammad T. Feeling about living arrangements and associated health outcomes among older adults in India: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1322. [PMID: 34225690 PMCID: PMC8258997 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11342-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advancement in the field of gerontology has been concerned with the well-being of older adults in a family setup that is associated with caregiving and support. While family life and well-being are defined by emotion, caregiving, and support activities, dissatisfaction/discontent with living arrangements is a public health concern, which is increasing with a rise in the proportion of the older population in the country. The study examines the association of dissatisfaction with living arrangements with health outcomes among older men and women in India. METHODS The present research used data from the 'Building a Knowledge Base on Population Aging in India'. The effective sample size for the analysis was 9181 older adults. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis were performed to present the preliminary estimates. For finding the association between various health outcomes over explanatory variables, binary logistic regression model was used separately for men and women. RESULTS About 22.8% of men and 30.8% of women who were living alone were dissatisfied with their present living arrangement. It was revealed that both men and women who were dissatisfied with their present living arrangements had significantly higher odds of experiencing poor self-rated health [OR:4.45, 3.25 ~ 6.09 and OR:3.32, 2.54 ~ 4.34], low psychological health [OR: 2.15, 1.61 ~ 2.86 and OR: 1.99, 1.57 ~ 2.53], low subjective well-being [OR: 3.37, 2.54 ~ 4.45 and OR: 3.03, 2.36 ~ 3.38], low ADL [OR: 1.77, 1.2 ~ 2.62 and OR: 1.59, 1.17 ~ 2.18, low IADL] [OR: 1.32, 1.03 ~ 1.69 and OR: 1.57, 1.24 ~ 1.98] and low cognitive ability [OR: 1.26, 0.98 ~ 1.61 and OR:1.44, 1.13 ~ 1.82] in comparison to their counterpart from men and women respectively. CONCLUSION It is found that dissatisfaction with the living arrangement of older men and women is negatively associated with major health outcomes. Hence, appropriate policies and programs must be developed to promote increased family care and support and an improved residential environment that would create a feeling of comfort and happiness among older individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobhit Srivastava
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088 India
| | - Subhojit Shaw
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088 India
| | - Himanshu Chaurasia
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, ICMR, Parel, Mumbai, 400088 India
| | - Naina Purkayastha
- Department of Statistics, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh, Assam India
| | - T. Muhammad
- International Institute for Population Sciences, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400088 India
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Zhang X, Silverstein M. Intergenerational Emotional Cohesion and Psychological Well-being of Older Adults in Rural China: A Moderated Mediation Model of Loneliness and Friendship Ties. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 77:525-535. [PMID: 34214164 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbab122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although researchers have linked intergenerational emotional cohesion (IEC) to psychological well-being (PWB) among older adults, the mechanisms and conditions under which IEC is related to PWB-particularly in rural areas-are less well understood. This study analyzed data from rural China to examine whether loneliness mediated the relation between IEC and PWB, and whether friendship ties moderated the strength of the direct and indirect relationships between IEC and PWB. METHODS Mediation and moderated mediation models were tested using a sample of rural adults age 60 and older (N = 958) from the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province, China. Measures included IEC, friendship ties, loneliness, and two PWB indicators-depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. RESULTS The results revealed that IEC was negatively related to loneliness, which in turn was associated with depressive symptoms and life satisfaction. Further, this indirect pathway linking IEC and depressive symptoms (but not life satisfaction) was positively conditioned on the size of friendship ties. DISCUSSION This study advances our understanding of the mechanism through which IEC influences PWB in older adults. Alleviating loneliness could help boost PWB. Other implications for practice and future research are discussed.
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The impact of living arrangements and intergenerational support on the health status of older people in China: are rural residents disadvantaged compared to urban residents? AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21000702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Research to-date has examined the impact of intergenerational support in terms of isolated types of support, or at one point in time, failing to provide strong evidence of the complex effect of support on older persons’ wellbeing. Using the Harmonised China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013 and 2015), this paper investigates the impact of older people's living arrangements and intergenerational support provision/receipt on their physical and psychological wellbeing, focusing on rural–urban differences. The results show that receiving economic support from one's adult children was a stronger predictor for higher life satisfaction among rural residents compared to urban residents, while grandchild care provision was an important determinant for poor life satisfaction only for urban residents. Having weekly in-person and distant contact with one's adult children reduced the risk of depression in both rural and urban residents. Older women were more likely than men to receive support and to have contact with adult children, but also to report poor functional status and depression. The paper shows that it is important to improve the level of public economic transfers and public social care towards vulnerable older people in rural areas, and more emphasis should be placed on improving the psychological wellbeing of urban older residents, such as with the early diagnosis of depression.
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Hou Y, Rurka M, Peng S. New Structure, Traditional Essence: Patterns of Helping Non-Coresident Parents by Own and Sibling(s)' Gender in China. Res Aging 2021; 44:215-226. [PMID: 34002650 DOI: 10.1177/01640275211018814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As Chinese households are becoming smaller with increasing numbers of adult children and older parents living apart, the extent to which patterns of parental support reflect traditional gender dynamics is under debate. Integrating theories of sibling compensation with ceremonial giving, we tested whether helping non-coresident parents in China is affected by sibship size and how these patterns depend on own and sibling(s)' gender using a sample of 4,359 non-coresident parent-child dyads nesting within 3,285 focal adult children from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2013. Opposite to patterns in the United States and Europe, we found substitutions of daughters with sons-having more brothers was associated with daughters' reduced probabilities and hours of helping. Sons' patterns of helping were independent of number of brothers and sisters in the family, consistent with the theory of ceremonial giving. These findings reflect the dominance of traditional family dynamics despite changes in family structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Hou
- 311308Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | | | - Siyun Peng
- 1771Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Basnyat I, Chang L. Tensions in support for family caregivers of people with dementia in Singapore: A qualitative study. DEMENTIA 2021; 20:2278-2293. [PMID: 33913355 DOI: 10.1177/1471301221990567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family members as informal caregivers are considered the first line of support for people with dementia across the world. In Singapore, caregiving expectations revolve around the cultural expectations of providing care in the home environment. However, studies in Singapore have identified a lack of family support for primary caregivers. Family support has been discussed in the literature as the provision of care for people with dementia, and rarely as a resource for family caregivers. METHOD To understand family support among primary caregivers in Singapore, 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis found four themes: excuses for lack of physical support for the caregiver, tensions between cultural expectations of caregiving and the provision of support, unmet emotional support, and lack of awareness of dementia and caregiving needs. FINDINGS Caregivers rationalized and forgave the absence of physical support but were frustrated when the lack of support impacted people with dementia. This was seen as a lack of fulfilling cultural obligations of caring for elderly parents. The caregivers also felt frustrated with the lack of emotional support provided to them, but these were unspoken between the caregiver and the family members. Insufficient and unhelpful support giving was exacerbated with the perception of family members' limited understanding of the demands of caregiving. CONCLUSION The findings offer four practical suggestions to address unmet support needs. First, public education is needed to enhance general knowledge about the symptoms and progression of dementia. Second, help is needed to address miscommunication about support within the family. Third, the development of guidebooks is needed to help family caregivers communicate with family members about their various support needs. Fourth, the relationship between cultural expectation and caregiving must be understood within the context of modernity and urbanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iccha Basnyat
- School of Communication Studies, 3745James Madison University, VA, USA
| | - Leanne Chang
- Department of Communication Studies, 26679Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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Huang F, Fu P. Intergenerational support and subjective wellbeing among oldest-old in China: the moderating role of economic status. BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:252. [PMID: 33858343 PMCID: PMC8051050 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds The oldest-old population is increasing sharply in China, and intergenerational support has been their primary source of caregiving. Although intergenerational support has been found to be associated with wellbeing of older people in previous study, most analysis were from the perspective of children’s characteristics and exchange patterns. This study aims to investigate the impact of different types of intergenerational support on subjective wellbeing among Chinese oldest-old and the variation across groups of different economic status, based on their five-tier of needs (physiological needs, safety needs, love/belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs). Methods We included older adults aged ≥ 80 years from the 2018 Chinese longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We assessed older people’s subjective wellbeing by their life satisfaction and psychological health. We evaluated four types of intergenerational support: parents provide financial support, receive financial, instrumental and emotional support. We applied binary logistic regression analysis to analyze the association between different intergenerational support and older people’s subjective wellbeing and the moderating effect of self-rated economic status on this relationship. Results A total of 8.794 participants were included, with a mean age of 91,46 years (standard deviation:7.60). Older adults who provide financial support (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.85) and receive emotional support (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.83) report better subjective wellbeing. However, receiving instrumental support depressed psychological health (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.79) while improved life satisfaction (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.55). Receiving emotional support promoted parents’ psychological health among all combinations of support, and receiving all the three types together raised their subjective wellbeing most. Conclusions Our study recognizes that higher level of subjective wellbeing for oldest-old is related to providing financial support, receiving emotional and certain instrumental support. In addition, higher economic status can moderate these associations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-021-02204-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanghong Huang
- School of Economics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250100, China
| | - Peipei Fu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China. .,NHC Key Lab of Health Economics and Policy Research (Shandong University), Jinan, 250012, China.
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Cheng GHL, Ang S, Chan A. Patterns of family support exchange and personal mastery in later life: a longitudinal study. Aging Ment Health 2021; 25:686-694. [PMID: 31830815 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2019.1701627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: The association between family support exchange and personal mastery among older adults remains unclear. The present study addresses this gap.Methods: We utilized two waves of data from the Panel on Health and Ageing of Singaporean Elderly (N = 1398). Latent class analysis was conducted to identify distinct patterns of family support exchange. Regression analysis was then used to assess whether the identified patterns predicted personal mastery four years later.Results: Four and three prevalent patterns of family support exchange emerged for males and females, respectively. Males who received monetary and material support from their kin developed lower personal mastery than those who only received monetary support. Females who provided and received monetary support developed higher personal mastery than those who lacked support exchange.Conclusion: Our latent class approach has captured the reality of family support exchange and thus provided a valid picture of the implication of such exchange for personal mastery. Our data suggest that support provision may elevate personal mastery. This observation is discussed with reference to the self-enhancement perspective and notion of valence of support provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grand H-L Cheng
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shannon Ang
- Department of Sociology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Population Studies Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Sociology Programme, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Angelique Chan
- Centre for Ageing Research and Education, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Ko PC, Möhring K. Chipping In or Crowding-Out? The Impact of Pension Receipt on Older Adults' Intergenerational Support and Subjective Well-Being in Rural China. J Cross Cult Gerontol 2021; 36:139-154. [PMID: 33768407 DOI: 10.1007/s10823-020-09422-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
With the introduction of the New Rural Social Pension Scheme (NRSPS), pension coverage in rural China has increased substantially during the last decade. We investigate how the new public pension benefits influence intergenerational transfers and subjective well-being of older adults in rural China using panel data from the 2011 and 2013 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). The results of our first-difference regression models show that receiving a public pension goes along with an increase in intergenerational financial support and has a positive impact on the subjective well-being of older adults in rural China. Our analysis represents one of the first studies examining the effects of the introduction of the NRSPS from a longitudinal perspective. The results demonstrate that public pension benefits as a form of institutional financial support are beneficial to the well-being of older adults, while they do not hinder intergenerational exchange.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chun Ko
- Centre for University Core, Singapore University of Social Sciences, 463 Clementi Road, Singapore, 599494, Singapore.
| | - Katja Möhring
- School for Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
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