Marital Status, Living Arrangement, and Aging Well in China

ObjectivesThis study explores the relationship between marital status, living arrangements, and aging well among Chinese adults aged 50 and older.MethodsUsing data from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we developed a multidimensional measure of aging well (physiological, functional, cognitive, psychological, and subjective). Analysis was based on a five-category typology of marital and living arrangements.ResultsA clear hierarchy emerged in the findings: married individuals co-residing with spouses experienced the most favorable outcomes, while unmarried individuals living alone faced the greatest challenges. Non-traditional arrangements (e.g., married living apart) also showed significant difficulties, particularly in subjective well-being. These associations were moderated by socio-demographic factors, with disparities being less pronounced among respondents aged 75+, retirees, urban residents, and those with healthier lifestyles.DiscussionThe findings underscore the enduring importance of co-resident marital relationships while highlighting the evolving influence of diverse family arrangements on the well-being of older adults in China.