[Urban-Rural Differences in the Role of Family Support in Physical and Mental Health of Elderly People in China].

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate social support for elderly in urban and rural settings, and determine its role in physical and psychological health of the elderly populations. METHODS: Data were extracted from the 2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Physical health was measured by the ADL/IADL scale. Mental health was measured by the CES-D scale. Family support included financial support, daily care and emotional care. Binary logistic models were established to test the associations between family support and physical and mental health. RESULTS: <0.01). CONCLUSION: An urban-rural difference exists in the role of family support in physical and mental health of the elderly. Rural elderly people are more dependent on family support than their urban counterparts. Social support needs to be strengthened to reduce the urban-rural gap. Meanwhile, family support will continue to play a role in improving the health of elderly populations.