Shifting Coresidence Near the End of Life: Comparing Decedents and Survivors of a Follow-Up Study in China

Zachary Zimmer, University of Utah
Kim Korinek, University of Utah

What we know about transitions in coresidence of elders in China is based on panel data involving survivors. This paper examines the tendency to and determinants of shifts in coresidence among the very old, comparing survivors with those that died. Data come from the CLHLS. Baseline and follow-up surveys indicate shifts in coresidence, defined as a change from not living to living in the same household as an adult child, and the reverse. Rates of shifting are adjusted for time to follow-up. Regressions examine predictors among four groups: baseline coresidents and non-coresident survivors and decedents. Decedents and non-coresidents are more likely to shift than survivors and coresidents. Covariates related to physical and material need and marital status are the strongest predictors of shift. We conclude that the period nearing the end of life is a time of flux and coresidential shifts are underestimated when those that die during a follow-up study are ignored.