Urban-Rural Differences in Elderly Caregiving Preferences: Empirical Study in China

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Objectives: When exploring the formation mechanisms of subjective care preferences among the elderly, urban-rural differences emerge as a critical factor, the study attempts to examine the factors influencing subjective care preferences among China's elderly population and the urban-rural differences. Methodology: A statistical regression analysis of data from the 2020 Chinese Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) was conducted. Findings: The findings reveal that the subjective care preferences of the elderly in China are significantly influenced by social networks, with marked differences between urban and rural areas. Specifically, elderly individuals with well-developed social networks are more likely to prefer self-care, spousal care, or shared care, whereas those with underdeveloped social networks tend to opt for government, social, or children's care. Furthermore, elderly individuals with agricultural hukou (rural registration) are more inclined to choose self-care, while those with non-agricultural hukou (urban registration) favor self-care, spousal care, or shared care. Additionally, the influence of social networks on subjective care preferences is stronger among elderly individuals with agricultural hukou compared to those with non-agricultural hukou. Implications: These findings have significant implications for the development and optimization of integrated urban-rural elder care policies. Policymakers should recognize the role of social networks in shaping care preferences among the elderly.