Living Arrangements of the Elderly in China: Evidence from CHARLS

Population is rapidly aging in China. The number of people 60+ is expected to reach 30% of the population in 2050. Unlike developed countries where almost all elderly have access to social security, family has been the main source of support for Chinese elderly, especially in rural areas where the majority of Chinese elderly reside. Recent increases in Chinese elderly living alone or only with a spouse has raised concerns about elderly support, especially when public support is inadequate. However, using information from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, we find that the increasing trend in living alone is accompanied with a rise in living close to each other. This type of living arrangement solves the conflicts between privacy/independence and family support.