Psychological Distress due to Poverty and Its Impact on the Health of the Aging Population in China

Abstract

Using two waves of the nationally representative Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, we examine how psychological distress measured by frequent experience of fear and anxiety affects health outcomes. We find that poverty-induced psychological distress significantly increases the probability of death. For those who survived till follow-up, results show that psychological distress affects the onset and continuation of ADL limitations and cognitive impairment. Recognizing the psychological impact of poverty on health and factors that can reduce psychological distress, has important consequences for designing intervention programs for the growing aging population in China and in other developing countries.