An exploratory multilevel analysis of income, income inequality and self-rated health of the elderly in China

► There are very substantial differences between provinces in self-rated health for the elderly in China. ► The study provides evidence of the effects of income and income inequality on the health of the elderly in China. ► The overall main effect for income inequality is small, while the effect of family income is substantial. ► The income inequality effect is most marked for women and the non-schooling elderly.