The influence of domestic living arrangement and neighborhood identity on mental health among urban Chinese elders.

OBJECTIVES

The primary purposes of the present study were (1) to assess the living arrangements among urban Chinese elders, (2) to examine the relationship between household living arrangement and elders' mental health, and (3) to investigate how individuals' neighborhood identity affects their mental health.

METHOD

The random sample was collected in 2011, including 939 respondents aged 60 and above who lived in the Jing'an district of Shanghai, China. The study examined well-being and depression of elders. The domestic living arrangements were assessed by a single item with five options: 'With whom are you living together?' The neighborhood identity was measured by four items: the sense of belonging, the sense of pride, volunteer work, and monetary donation for the neighborhood.

RESULTS

Urban Chinese elders' living arrangement had transited from a traditional intergenerational co-residence pattern to a more self-independent style. However, living with children was positively associated with elders' mental health after controlling for demographic variables. Although the neighborhood identity had no interaction with living arrangement, it also contributed to elders' mental health.

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted the importance of living with children and spouse, the sense of belonging, volunteer work, and the feelings of pride on elders' mental health. Results of the current study suggested implications for both government and non-governmental organizations to design family-based support for eldercare and improve neighborhood identity for elders.