A longitudinal study on intergenerational coresidence of older adults: the impact of its change and stability on physical health in rural China

Ping Wang, Xi'an University of Science and Technology
Iris Chi, University of Southern California
Weiyu Mao, University of Southern California
Yawei Lian, Xi'an University of Science and Technology
Shuzhuo Li, Xi'an Jiaotong University

Objectives. Living arrangement of older adults may change or remain the same over time. There are three major types of intergenerational coresidence among older adults including coresidence with adult children, coresidence with adult children and grandchildren, and coresidence only with grandchildren. This study investigated the impact of changing into intergenerational coresidence or remaining in the same intergenerational coresidence on physical health of older adults over 12 years. Method. Using data from a 5-wave longitudinal survey in Anhui Province, China, conducted in 2001, 2003, 2006, 2009 and 2012, we applied growth curve models to realize the objectives. Physical health was measured by self-rated health and functional limitations. Results. Older adults changed into coresidence with adult children suffered from a rapid decline of ADL and IADL. Those changed into coresidence with adult children and grandchildren experienced a decline of IADL and ASMF. Those changed into coresidence with grandchildren only experienced improved in self-rated health. Older adults remaining in the same coresiding with adult children experienced improved in self-rated health, but suffered from a rapidly deteriorated in ADL and IADL. Those remaining in the same coresiding with adult children and grandchildren experienced improved in self-rated health, but suffered from a rapidly deteriorated in ADL over 12 years. Those remaining in the same coresidence with grandchildren only suffered from a rapidly deteriorated in ADL and IADL over 12 years. Discussion. There’re differential effects of changing into or remaining the same of different outcome. Implications of the impact of living arrangement on health are discussed. Keywords: Older Chinese, Intergenerational coresidence, Physical health, Rural, Longitudinal study