What Determines the Preference to Coreside? Applying the Andersen-Newman Framework to a Lagged Longitudinal Analysis Among Older Adults in China
Rongjun Sun, Zachary ZimmerObjectives
Using longitudinal data, we investigate changes in coresidence preference of Chinese older adults and, with application of the Andersen-Newman framework, examine factors contributing to coresidence preference.
Methods
Data come from five waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey collected between 2005 and 2018. A random-effect model uses baseline covariates to predict coresidence preference at follow-up between two adjacent waves, controlling for baseline preference and changes in actual living arrangement between baseline and follow-up.
Results
Regressions showed enabling factors played a more robust role in shaping coresidence preference than time-invariant personal characteristics. Interactions found that some personal characteristics reinforced the effect of enabling factors.
Discussion
Coresidence is not necessarily the most sought-after living arrangement among older Chinese. What is regarded as “traditional” may instead reflect circumstantial factors, such that a coresidential living arrangement is best suited to an older person’s particular situation.