Community-Based Residential Relocation in Middle and Older Age: A United States–China Comparison Study on Its Predictors and Associated Mortality Risk

Abstract

Objectives

This study compared the United States and China in examining the predictors of community-based residential relocation and its associated mortality risk.

Methods

Data from the 2010 to 2018 US Health and Retirement Study and from 2011 to 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used (N_US = 20,292 and N_China = 11,694). Community-dwelling respondents (aged 50+) reported whether they had relocated and were followed up until 2018. Log-binomial regression and Cox survival analysis were used.

Results

In both countries, younger age, higher education, urban residence, and being a renter were associated with higher likelihood of relocation. Community-based relocation was associated with a lower mortality risk (US: HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.70; China: HR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.50), and this association was significantly stronger in China compared to the United States.

Discussion

Common predictors of community-based relocation were found in the United States and China. The relocation-related survival advantages may be attributed to a better post-move adaptation and living environment.

Keywords

domestic moving cross-national migrants selection bias

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