Family, Friendship, and Loneliness Among Older Chinese Adults: Urban–Rural Comparisons

Perceived availability of support may play a more important role than the amount of received support for older adults’ well-being. This study investigated the relationship between perceived social support and loneliness among older Chinese adults. Perceived support from family and friends was investigated both as a key factor related to loneliness and as a moderator for the relationship between living alone and loneliness. Data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey were analyzed (N = 6,462). Respondents provided information on perceived support from family and friends. Results from linear regression models suggested those with higher levels of family support were associated with lower levels of loneliness in both urban and rural samples. Having limited friendship support was related to higher levels of loneliness among older Chinese adults who lived in urban areas but not for those who lived in rural areas. Moreover, the implication of living alone for loneliness varied by perceived social support and rural–urban residency. In rural areas, having more perceived support from family members reduced loneliness for older adults living with family members; the lack of friend support increased loneliness for those living alone, but only in urban areas. Loneliness was relatively common among older Chinese adults. However, our findings suggested that more social support was related to a lower risk of loneliness. Possible intervention programs were discussed.