Determinants of Living Arrangements among the Chinese Elderly: New Evidence from the CLHLS 2011 Wave

Abstract

This research examines the determinants of living arrangements among the Chinese elderly by distinguishing the seniors by sex, residence and age. Through analyzing data from the 2011 wave of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), the results show that about 80% of the elderly still chose to co-reside with other family members and only 2% of them lived in institutions. Having children nearby who visited frequently, high education, pension coverage and social integration generally decrease the odds of co-residing. Having activity of daily living (ADL) disabilities, higher household income, homeownership and preferring living with others increase the likelihood of co-residing. Currently married individuals, females and minorities are more likely to live with others. Co-residing also increases with age. However, the effects of the above factors on the subgroups’ living arrangements differ substantially. Male and urban residents’ living arrangement determinants are more similar, whereas female and rural residents’ co-residing determinants are more comparable. Age of 75 is found to be a bench mark differentiating living arrangement patterns and determinants for seniors. The study draws future research attention to developing separate models understanding the elderly subgroups’ living arrangements.