What Determines the Preference to Coreside? Applying the Andersen-Newman Framework to a Lagged Longitudinal Analysis Among Older Adults in China

ObjectivesUsing longitudinal data, we investigate changes in coresidence preference of Chinese older adults and, with application of the Andersen-Newman framework, examine factors contributing to coresidence preference.MethodsData come from five waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey collected between 2005 and 2018. A random-effect model uses baseline covariates to predict coresidence preference at follow-up between two adjacent waves, controlling for baseline preference and changes in actual living arrangement between baseline and follow-up.ResultsRegressions showed enabling factors played a more robust role in shaping coresidence preference than time-invariant personal characteristics. Interactions found that some personal characteristics reinforced the effect of enabling factors.DiscussionCoresidence is not necessarily the most sought-after living arrangement among older Chinese. What is regarded as "traditional" may instead reflect circumstantial factors, such that a coresidential living arrangement is best suited to an older person's particular situation.