Intergenerational reciprocity and WHO function ability domains predict loneliness in older Chinese adults

Objectives: To examine loneliness in old age and whether intergenerational reciprocity and WHO functional ability predicted loneliness. 

Methods: Using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Wave 4 (2018) database (CHARLS), logistic regression models were adopted to investigate the relationships. 

Results: The prevalence of loneliness was 28% in older people in China. Corresponding to the five domains of functional abilities, providing financial support to adult children (adj. OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.70–0.99), self-perceived health (adj. OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.19–1.41), having a retirement pension (adj. OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57–0.93), the ability to decide on taking medications (adj. OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.10–1.58), as well as being able to get up from a chair (adj. OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.3), and having paid work (adj. OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.54–0.95) were associated with less loneliness. On the contrary, infrequent contact (once a month) with adult children (adj. OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.01–1.38), troubling body pain (adj. OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.10–1.23) and falling since the last interview (adj. OR.23, 95% CI 1.04–1.45) were positively associated with loneliness. 

Conclusions: In this study, functional abilities of meeting basic needs, making decisions, being mobile and contributing to the support of adult children and society were protective factors for experiencing loneliness in late life. We need to rethink interventions for addressing loneliness in the context of healthy ageing and specific cultural values, taking into account not only providing services to older adults but also supporting them to gain values by contributing to society.