Rong Peng1, Bei Wu2. 1. National Economics Research Center and School of Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Guangzhou, China. 2. Duke University, Durham, NC, USA bei.wu@duke.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine rates of institutionalization of Chinese older adults aged 65+ and the impact of changes in health status on the likelihood of institutionalization. METHOD: Using data from the 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), admission rates for each 3-year interval between waves were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to assess the changes of five health status variables as risk factors. RESULTS: Between the first (2002-2005) and third (2008-2011) intervals, the institutionalization rate increased from 0.5% to 0.8%. Risk of institutionalization increased 70% for respondents with declining ability to perform activities of daily living, 53% for those with declining cognitive function, and 44% for those with increasing number of chronic diseases. DISCUSSION: Development of policies and programs to improve older adults' health status is essential to delay institutionalization. Quality of workforce is also critical in meeting the care needs.
OBJECTIVE: To examine rates of institutionalization of Chinese older adults aged 65+ and the impact of changes in health status on the likelihood of institutionalization. METHOD: Using data from the 2002, 2005, 2008, and 2011 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), admission rates for each 3-year interval between waves were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to assess the changes of five health status variables as risk factors. RESULTS: Between the first (2002-2005) and third (2008-2011) intervals, the institutionalization rate increased from 0.5% to 0.8%. Risk of institutionalization increased 70% for respondents with declining ability to perform activities of daily living, 53% for those with declining cognitive function, and 44% for those with increasing number of chronic diseases. DISCUSSION: Development of policies and programs to improve older adults' health status is essential to delay institutionalization. Quality of workforce is also critical in meeting the care needs.