Social Support Networks and the formation of Home-Based Care Intentions Among Older Adults in High-Density Urban Communities: Evidence from Chongqing, China

Abstract

Urban population aging presents major challenges for eldercare, especially in high-density cities like Chongqing, China, where limited space, weak social ties, and service gaps hinder home-based care. This study examines the structural and psychological factors that shape home-based care intention (HBCI) among older adults, drawing on Social Embeddedness Theory, the Theory of Planned Behavior, and Resource Dependence Theory. Six key objectives guide the research: (1) assess the direct effect of social support networks (SSNs) on HBCI; (2) evaluate affective identification (AI) and (3) perceived safety (PS) as mediators; (4) test intergenerational cohabitation (IC) and (5) digital social support (DSS) as moderators; and (6) explore demographic subgroup variations.

A structured survey was conducted with 487 urban elders, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings show that SSNs positively predict HBCI (β = 0.207, p < 0.01). Both AI (β = 0.126) and PS (β = 0.156) mediate this relationship, highlighting the role of emotional connection and safety perceptions. IC strengthens the AI–HBCI link, while DSS enhances the PS–HBCI pathway. Subgroup analysis reveals gender, age, and education-based differences: men emphasize safety, women prioritize emotional bonds, and younger or more educated elders benefit more from digital support. These results suggest that aging-in-place strategies must be context-sensitive, incorporating digital inclusion, intergenerational dynamics, and tailored community engagement to meet the diverse needs of urban seniors.