Trajectories of ADL among Elders in China: The Role of Socioeconomic Status

Haiyan Zhu, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

While a positive relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and activities of daily living(ADL) has been well documented in existing literature, two limitations have been noted. First, the trajectories of ADL has not received enough attention. Second, age patterns in this relationship are less than clear. Using data from the 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, and 2008 waves of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, this study identifies the common trajectories of ADL and examines the relationship between SES and ADL among elders (65+) in China. In particular, this study examines the convergence hypothesis -- whether the effect of SES decreases with age.