Living arrangements and quality of life among older adults in China: does social cohesion matter?

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated how living arrangements are related to the well-being of Chinese older adults and the role of social cohesion in this relationship.

Methods: This study used the China data from the WHO’s Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health. The analytic sample featured 5,600 Chinese adults aged 60 or older. The study conceptualized two sets of models: social cohesion as mediators and as moderators in the relationship of living arrangements and quality of life.

Results: Results from structural equation modelling analyses show that Chinese older adults who lived with adult children had lower quality of life scores compared with those who did not live with adult children; the negative relationship was partially mediated through decreased social cohesion. The study also found social cohesion may buffer the negative influence of not living with a spouse compared with those who did.

Conclusion: This study sheds light on the mediating and moderating effects of social cohesion on the relationship between living arrangement and quality of life among older adults in China. The findings indicate the necessity of promoting social connectedness and neighborhood cohesion for older Chinese, especially those who live with their adult children.

Keywords:

• Structural equation modelling
• social network
• aging

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Xiaoning Huang

Xiaoning Huang contributed to study design, literature review, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content. Jinyu Liu contributed to study design, analysis and interpretation of data, drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content. Ai Bo contributed to study design, literature review, drafting the manuscript and revising it critically for important intellectual content. All named authors approved the version of the paper to be published, agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.