Filial Piety, Living Arrangements, and Well-being of Urban Older Adults in Southern China

Abstract

This article examines the living arrangements and well-being of older adults in urban China. It draws upon the concept of filial piety and intergenerational care models to interpret findings regarding five different living arrangements for urban older adults: living alone (with a spouse or not), living with a son, living with a daughter, living in an institution (public or private), and other. Well-being is measured by activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and self-rated health questionnaires and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The findings have implications for policy makers addressing living arrangements and community-based care services for older adults.