Family obligations beliefs and Chinese baby boomers plans for their future care needs

What is it about?

This study used survey research to study the beliefs about family obligations among Chinese baby boomers who are from one-child families. We then tested whether the beliefs about family obligations are related to how these individuals plan for their own future care. Awareness of future care needs and information gathering about future care options were positively associated with care arrangements that involved third-party services. Avoidant planners were more inclined to plan to rely on adult children. Participants with a stronger filial obligation had greater expectations for ageing at home with the aid of a spouse, siblings or helper. Child gender was not significantly associated with intended care arrangements.

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Why is it important?

The study enriches researchers’ understanding of urban Chinese older adults’ intended care arrangements in the context of fading familism and single-child families.