Effect of Intergenerational Support on Successful Aging Among Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE: To examine the association between intergenerational support from children and successful aging among older adults. METHOD: Using data from 6,573 adults (aged ≥60 years) in the 2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, intergenerational support was measured across three dimensions, and successful aging was defined according to Rowe and Kahn. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed their association, and a classification and regression tree (CART) model explored multi-factor interactions. RESULTS: Caregiving, higher financial support, and moderate monthly emotional contact were each significantly associated with greater odds of successful aging. CART analysis further revealed that although health and education served as foundational factors, their associations with successful aging were synergistically moderated by intergenerational support. CONCLUSION: Successful aging is closely linked to the interplay of individual characteristics and intergenerational support. Policies should therefore prioritize health promotion and educational investment while facilitating differentiated intergenerational support strategies.