Do health and housing attributes motivate residential moves among older Chinese adults? Evidence from an 8‑year follow‑up study

Abstract

Despite the widespread belief in aging in place as the preferred housing arrangement for older adults, they are increasingly embracing moving. The person-environment fit theory explains that environmental changes due to residential moves can pose health risks, discouraging older people from moving. However, it also suggests that moves may be suitable when living conditions no longer meet their physical needs. The correlation between older people's health, housing, and their subsequent moving or staying actions in China remains underexplored. Using alternative operating variables of key concepts and the China Family Panel Studies 2012-2018 datasets, this study examines the effects of health and housing status on older people’s residential moves in China. The study outlines changes in health indicators and housing characteristics during multiple moves, as well as examines the relationship between the health and housing status of older adults and moving over a relatively long period of time using both regression models with lagged explanatory variables and fixed effects binary choice models. The results reveal that: 1) higher rates of subsequent moves were observed among older adults with better self-rated health, positive self-rated health changes, and no ADL impairment, but no significant associations were found between most health variables and moving; 2) The correlation between older persons' house ownership/ type and their residential moves was significant and consistent over time, steady and lasting. Potential mechanisms explaining the association between specific housing types and ownership statuses on moving are discussed. The findings encourage a focus on the positive benefits of moving in later life and how to provide additional housing options for older individuals.