A multilevel analysis of the role of the family and the state in self-rated health of elderly Chinese

This study examines the geographical variations of self-rated health of the elderly based on the 2008 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Multilevel logistic models are employed to estimate how individual, family, and institutional factors affect the health of the elderly at both individual and province levels. Results show that while individual characteristics help to explain self-rated health, the family remains an important determinant. Those with nobody to care for them, those in poverty and those who have to rely on medical insurance report the worst health. The role of the state is relatively limited in contributing to the health of the elderly. There are substantial between province differences.