Abstract
Using a sample of Chinese adults over the age of 50 from wave 1 of the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (n = 13,367), we investigated the relationship between living arrangements and subjective well-being (SWB) in regard to life satisfaction, happiness, and control. We also looked at the moderating role of resources, proxied by income and hukou status. Multivariate regression results indicate that living only with a spouse was significantly associated with better SWB. Multigenerational living arrangements may not always promote SWB, particularly when resources are constrained. Yet, results also underscore the importance of daughters and daughters-in-law in promoting SWB among older adults. Older adults in rural areas had better SWB, including greater life satisfaction if living with grandchildren only, compared to their urban peers living with a spouse only. Findings suggest that context matters in the association between living arrangements and older adults’ SWB.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 388-402 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Research on Aging |
| Volume | 43 |
| Issue number | 9-10 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Oct 2021 |
Keywords
- China
- WHO SAGE study
- living arrangements
- older adults
- subjective well-being
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Health(social science)
- Geriatrics and Gerontology