Bequest Motives and Saving Rate of Elderly Households

Abstract

AbstractThis study analyzes the phenomenon of the high saving rate of Chinese elderly households from the perspective of bequest motives based on the data of China Household Finance Survey. The result shows that, like Japan, the bequest motives of Chinese elderly households positively influence the family saving rate, especially rural household savings, middle-wealth, and low-wealth elderly households, those whose children work outside of the government system and with low education levels, indicating that the bequest motives of Chinese elderly households are more altruistic. This study helps understand the high savings of Chinese elderly households and provides a reference for future policymaking.KeywordsHousehold savingBequest motivesElderly households