Regional Differences and Determinants of Self-rated Health in Elderly

Objective To determine differences of self-rated health in elderly people across geographic regions of China, and to identify factors influencing self-rated health of elderly. Methods Ordered logistic modeling was performed using the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) data in 2013. Results Elderly people resided in Eastern China had better self-rated health than their counterparts residing in Middle (partial regression coefficient 0.252, P<0.01) and Western (partial regression coefficient 0.338, P<0.001) China. Sex, residency, education, per capita consumption expenditure, smoking and drinking, social participation, chronic diseases, and life satisfaction were identified as associated with self-rated health of elderly. Conclusion There are regional differences in self-rated health of elderly. Policy priorities should be given to Middle and Western China, with more health resources being allocated to those regions. Regional economic and educational inequalities need to be addressed. Healthy lifestyle should be promoted.