ZHAO Jianguo, GUAN Wen, WANG Jingjing
Jinan Journal. 2022, 44(2): 39-55.
Based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey in 2018 and by using OLS model, this paper empirically analyzes the effect of “reverse feeding” on the mental health of the elderly. The study found that the “reverse feeding” behavior, which including the economic support provided by the elderly for their children and the intergenerational care for grandchildren, significantly promoted the mental health of the elderly. By changing the data type of independent variables and using propensity score matching method to control endogenous and self-selection errors, the research conclusion is still valid. The quantile regression shows that the two dimensions of “reverse feeding” have a “linear downward” trend on the mental health of the elderly. The heterogeneity test shows that, providing economical support for children has a more obvious effect on the mental health of elderly men, living in cities and towns, living alone and the elderly aged 60-79. While providing intergenerational care for grandchildren has a more positive impact on the mental health of elderly women, living in cities and towns, living with their children and the elderly aged 60-79. Besides, “positive social communication” has an obvious intermediary effect between “reverse feeding” and the mental health of the elderly. Based on this, this paper puts forward some measures and suggestions, such as advocating the active aging policy of “making the elderly busy and valuable”, encouraging appropriately the “reverse feeding” behavior of the elderly, establishing a multi-functional care center in the community, and giving full play to the comprehensive role of “making the elderly have someone to depend on” and “children being well nurtured”.