SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING OF CHINESE ELDERS WITH MIGRANT CHILDREN: THE ROLE OF FAMILY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

摘要

>Objectives: Addressing the crucial intersection between aging and international migration, this study examined the ways in which family and social support could protect the psychological well-being of Chinese older adults in transnational families. >Methods. Using a purposive sample of 292 Chinese older adults in Beijing who had at least one child moving abroad, multiple linear regressions were performed to predict depression (assessed by CES-D) and life satisfaction (assessed by Satisfaction with Life Scale), respectively, using indicators of family support (monetary, instrumental, and emotional support from children) and social support (number of friends the respondents had), while controlling for socio-demographic variables and physical health. Logistic regressions were further performed to predict the likelihood of worrying about lack of care using the same predictors. >Results. Among the three types of family support, only emotional support from children was associated with lower depression and higher life satisfaction. Such findings remained the same when social support was added in the models, which was also associated with lower depression and higher life satisfaction. But having more friends, not having close relationships with children, was associated with a lower chance of worrying about lack of care in the future. Having more friends also buffered the negative influence of having poorer physical health or poorer relationships with children on older adults’ life satisfaction. >Discussion. Social support could be as important, if not more, as family support for older adults in transnational families. Future studies and programs shall look into the ways to strengthen this alternative support.