Transition of Living Arrangement and Cognitive Impairment Status among Chinese Older Adults: Are They Associated?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Living arrangement is a crucial factor for older adults’ health. It is even more critical for Chinese older adults due to the tradition of filial piety. With the aging of China’s population, the prevalence of cognitive impairment among older adults has increased. This study examines the association between living arrangement transition and cognitive function among Chinese older adults. Materials and Methods: Using three waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS; 2008–2009, 2011–2012, and 2014), we analyzed data for older adults (age ≥ 65) who lived with other household members and reported good cognitive function or mild cognitive impairment when they participated in the survey. Multistate Cox regression was employed to study changes in cognitive function. Results: Older adults who transitioned to living alone had lower risk of cognitive impairment (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.52, 0.83; p Conclusions: With older adults’ transition to living alone, public health practitioners or social workers might educate them on the benefits of such a living arrangement for cognitive function.

Keywords

• living arrangement
• cognitive function
• older adults
• China
• multistate survival analysis