Do Child Characteristics Matter to Mitigate the Widowhood Effect on the Elderly’s Mental Health? Evidence from China

This study empirically examines whether child characteristics mitigate the negative impact of widowhood on elderly’s mental health using follow-up survey data from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). A total 5,326 older adults aged 60 years are selected three waves panel (2013, 2015, 2018). The findings suggest that respondents who experienced exhibit an increase in depressive symptoms. However, higher income children frequent face-to-face emotional interactions improve widowed elderly. Moreover, heterogeneity analyses show buffering effect is more significant among men Midwestern elderly, effective improving psychological status women In special social cultural background China, family members remain main support for current pension system still imperfect. Therefore, should strengthen communication with their parents while increasing economic income. way, can achieve both material spiritual prosperity. government identify vulnerable groups elderly widows introduce policies aimed at reducing disparity status.