Intergenerational Support Linking Adult Children’s Economic Resources to Health Behaviors of Older Parents in China

Background Health behaviors are key determinants of healthy aging. In family-oriented contexts, adult children’s economic resources may influence older parents’ behaviors through intergenerational support, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Methods Using data from the 2013–2020 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we analyzed adults aged 60 years and above. Regression and mediation analyses were used to examine the associations between children’s economic resources and older parents’ smoking and physical activity. Results Higher levels of adult children’s income and housing wealth were associated with lower smoking and higher physical activity among older parents. Financial transfers were the primary pathway, while reduced caregiving and emotional contact suggest a substitution between monetary and time-based support. Conclusions Adult children’s economic resources shape older parents’ health behaviors through multiple support pathways. Promoting balanced intergenerational support may help improve health behaviors in aging populations.