THE IMPACT OF HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

With China’s rapidly aging population, ensuring older adults’ well-being has become urgent. Home and community-based services (HCBS) support seniors, especially those with chronic conditions, by enabling social engagement and healthier living environments. Prior work often focused on self-rated health, leaving uncertainty about broader outcomes and vulnerable subgroups such as childless and disabled older adults. This study analyzes CLHLS panel data from 2008–2018 using person fixed-effect regression models and multidimensional health measures.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study objective and data

Methods and health measures

Key findings and subgroup differences

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 837 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.2839 THE IMPACT OF HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES ON THE HEALTH STATUS OF OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS Shibin Yan, University of Pennsylvania, Camden, New Jersey, United States With China’s rapidly aging population, ensuring the well-being of older adults has become a pressing concern. Home and community-based services (HCBS) play a crucial role in supporting older individuals, particularly those with chronic conditions, by fostering social engagement and promoting healthier living environments. While research has examined self-rated health among older adults, limited attention has been given to how these services influences health outcomes. Moreover, the impact of HCBS on vulnerable subgroups, such as childless and disabled older adults, remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by analyzing Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Study (CLHLS) panel data from 2008 to 2018. Using person fixed-effect 838 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 regression models, the study assesses how HCBS affects health status, measured through self-rated health, interviewer-rated health, and comparative health assessments. Unlike prior studies relying solely on self-rated health, this approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of older adults’ well-being. Findings indicate a significant positive association between HCBS and improved health outcomes. Among various service types, cultural and social services exhibit the strongest effect. The results further reveal disparities based on residential location, disability status, and financial stability—with urban residents benefiting more than rural counterparts. However, no evidence suggests that childlessness moderates this relationship. This research enhances aging studies by utilizing longitudinal models and multidimensional health assessments. Findings highlight the importance of family financial support and HCBS in promoting healthy aging, offering valuable insights for policymakers.

FAQs

What question does the study address about HCBS and older adults in China?

It examines how home and community-based services affect older adults’ health outcomes, beyond self-rated health.

What data and methods are used to estimate the HCBS impact?

The study uses CLHLS panel data from 2008 to 2018 and person fixed-effect regression models.

Which HCBS service types and population groups show the strongest or weakest effects?

Cultural and social services show the strongest effect. Urban residents benefit more than rural residents, and no evidence suggests childlessness moderates the relationship.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by Genevieve