Community-Based Residential Relocation in Middle and Older Age: A United States–China Comparison Study on Its Predictors and Associated Mortality Risk

Abstract

Objectives: This study compared the United States and China in examining the predictors of community-based residential relocation and its associated mortality risk. Methods: Data from the 2010 to 2018 US Health and Retirement Study and from 2011 to 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were used (NUS = 20,292 and NChina = 11,694). Community-dwelling respondents (aged 50+) reported whether they had relocated and were followed up until 2018. Log-binomial regression and Cox survival analysis were used. Results: In both countries, younger age, higher education, urban residence, and being a renter were associated with higher likelihood of relocation. Community-based relocation was associated with a lower mortality risk (US: HR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.57, 0.70; China: HR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.31, 0.50), and this association was significantly stronger in China compared to the United States. Discussion: Common predictors of community-based relocation were found in the United States and China. The relocation-related survival advantages may be attributed to a better post-move adaptation and living environment.