Whose education matters for later-life health trajectories? A three-generation comparison in China

Objectives This study examined the effects of own, parental, spousal, and children’s education on later-life health trajectories in the Chinese context, exploring variations across health measures and genders in these processes. Methods Hierarchical linear regression models were employed to the data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study over the period 2011–2020 (N = 15,304 individuals aged 45–85; N = 62,836 person-years). Results Among men, mental health disparities by own education remained stable with age, while those linked to spousal and children’s education widened. For physical health, disparities by own education were stable, whereas those related to children’s education diminished with age. Among women, mental health disparities tied to own and family members’ education widened with age. Physical health disparities driven by own and children’s education increased with age, while those associated with spousal education remained stable. Conclusion Our findings suggest that family members’ education differentially shapes later-life health trajectories, with these processes being sensitive to health measures and gender. Policies that enhance women’s education and support disadvantaged families and are essential to reduce health inequalities among aging populations.