Past housing experiences and aging in place: lessons from rural China about changes without spatial mobility

As people age, most want to live in the community rather than a nursing home, making homes and neighbourhoods central to quality of life. However, while housing reflects decisions made over decades, research has focused on the current dwelling. Using semi-structured interviews (N = 44) and observations across three rural areas in China, we examine how housing changed for older individuals over their lifespans, resulting in their current homes as places to age. Most interviewees remained in the same villages but repeatedly rebuilt and upgraded their houses on the same or nearby parcels of land, indicating physical housing changes without spatial mobility. Most were satisfied with their homes, though our observations revealed accessibility and design problems. Some sought improvements, but many were exhausted from repeated rebuilding or hesitant to invest in homes with uncertain future occupancy. Those in villages with more economic resources and greater access to aging-in-place programs were more willing to consider modifications. Thus rural aging in place is dynamic rather than static, though past rebuilding decisions may undermine adaptability; many rural residents would benefit from more information and financial support. This research is relevant beyond rural China, as home remodelling could better prepare for future aging needs.