Age Identities and Health Among Older Adults: Empirical Evidence From China

Abstract

This study uses data from the 2018 and 2020 waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) to examine the association between age identities and health among older Chinese adults. Findings show that a relatively younger age identity is significantly linked to better self-rated health. Mechanism analysis identifies three behavioral pathways: increased voluntary labor participation, greater digital inclusion, and more active social connections. These attitudes act as psychological assets that encourage proactive health behaviors. Subgroup analysis suggests that the health benefits of a relatively younger age identity are especially pronounced among younger seniors (aged 60-74), individuals with lower education levels, and those with stable housing. Situated in the context of a rapidly aging developing country, this study underscores the importance of psychosocial factors in shaping later-life health and offers implications for aging-related policy and intervention.

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