Individual or Intergenerational Responses? A Mixed-Methods Study of Future Care Preparation Among Chinese Families in Hong Kong

Abstract

Effective care preparation requires families to work as teams. This study employed a mixed-methods design and a dyadic approach to examine the levels, processes, person-centered profiles, and characteristics of intergenerational care preparation among families in Hong Kong. Quantitative data were collected from 213 pairs of older parents (aged ≥ 50 years) and their adult children. In addition, individual interviews were conducted with 60 pairs of older parents and their adult children to understand the role of adult children in their older parents’ care preparation. A latent profile analysis of the quantitative data identified three care planning profiles: child-active intergenerational planners, dyadic thinkers, and filial-uninvolved intergenerational avoiders. An integrative analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data revealed a child-centered approach across all three profiles, influenced by the life stage and circumstances of the dyad members. The study also uncovered intergenerational discrepancies in preparation and care expectations, highlighting the need to strengthen family dynamics and intergenerational engagement for effective later-life planning and wellbeing.