Singlehood Trajectories and Later-Life Health in China and the United States

This study explores the global increase in singlehood, focusing on its health implications and gender-specific variations in the United States and China. I analyze nationally representative longitudinal data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Studies and Chinese equivalents using repeated measures latent class analysis to estimate singlehood trajectories across the life course. Subsequently, multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models are used to investigate the relationships between these trajectories and health outcomes (depression and cognitive function), examining how these relationships differ by gender and society. Specifically, the study compares lifelong singles to those who are cohabiting, divorced, or widowed, including those who have undergone relationship transitions. The findings underscore the importance of singlehood in contemporary social and political discussions and contribute to our understanding of the diversity and well-being of lifelong singles.