Older adult service facilities and self-rated health among migrant older adults in China.

BACKGROUND

Population aging and internal migration are reshaping demographic landscapes. Migrant older adults frequently experience severed social networks. They also face institutional barriers in destination cities due to household registration restrictions. This study investigates whether universally accessible Older Adult Service Facilities (OASF) serve as a vital place-based buffering mechanism to protect the health of this uniquely vulnerable population.

METHODS

We integrate individual-level data from the 2018 China Migrants Dynamic Survey with city-level point-of-interest data to construct a comprehensive composite OASF index. We estimate its association with the self-rated health of migrant older adults using ordered probit models, explicitly accounting for overarching city-level macroeconomic characteristics. To address self-selection bias and potential endogeneity, we stratify the sample based on migration motives, comparing active and passive migrants.

RESULTS

The OASF index shows a robust positive association with the self-rated health of migrant older adults. These health benefits are highly concentrated among socioeconomically disadvantaged subgroups of this demographic, including rural migrants, women, lower-income individuals, and those without a spouse. Crucially, the positive association is exclusive to passive migrants who relocate primarily for family obligations. This protective effect is strongest immediately after migration and exhibits a distinct time-decay pattern as the duration of residence increases.

CONCLUSIONS

OASF provide critical health support for migrant older adults. These physical environments effectively mitigate initial relocation stress and bridge institutional gaps. Urban policymakers should prioritize resident-based, inclusive public service provision. This approach is essential for promoting environmental health equity among aging migrant populations.