Background: Asia is experiencing rapid population aging amid unprecedented internal migration driven by economic development and traditional family norms. In China, 249 million rural-to-urban migrants represent a critical aging cohort. As they return to rural areas in later life, understanding long-term health consequences of life course migration has become essential for healthy aging policies across Asia.

Objective: This study examined associations between life course migration and physical-depressive-cognitive (PDC) multimorbidity among rural Chinese older adults, and tested whether social inclusion mediated these associations.

Methods: We analyzed data from 3,044 participants (mean age 68.2 years; 56.2% male) in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2020) linked with life history surveys (2014). Migration was measured as relocations during working years. Social inclusion was assessed using indicators of social networks, participation, and support. Four PDC patterns were examined: physical-depressive, physical-cognitive, depressive-cognitive, and all three conditions. Multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses were performed.

Results: Migration was reported by 26.2% of participants. Multimorbidity prevalence was 24.0% for physical-depressive, 6.4% for physical-cognitive, 8.3% for depressive-cognitive, and 7.1% for all three conditions. Dose-response relationships were observed for all patterns (adjusted OR: 1.45-2.18, all P<0.001). Social inclusion mediated 25-35% of associations. Women showed consistently higher prevalence than men. Conclusions: Life course migration is associated with increased PDC multimorbidity risk, with social inclusion as a key pathway. Findings underscore the importance of policies promoting social reintegration for returned migrants in rapidly aging Asian societies.

Authors:
Wanchen Wang, Shandong University, China
Chengchao Zhou, Shandong University, China

About the Presenter(s)
Wanchen Wang, PhD candidate at Shandong University. Research interests: social determinants of healthy aging, migration, and multimorbidity. Current project: examining life course migration and health outcomes among older adults using CHARLS data.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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