Abstract
Background
Population aging is accelerating worldwide, and rural older adults may face particular challenges because of limited access to formal care resources. Preparation for future care (PFC) is a multidimensional process involving awareness, avoidance, decision-making, and concrete planning. This study identified latent PFC profiles among rural older adults in China and examined their association with self-support ability.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 851 older adults from 16 rural villages in Hebei Province, China. Data were obtained using a general information questionnaire, the 14-item Preparation for Future Care Needs Scale, the Self-supporting Ability Rating Scale for the Elderly, and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale. Latent profile analysis used the four PFC dimension mean scores as continuous indicators. Independent-samples
t
tests or one-way analysis of variance were used for univariate comparisons, followed by multiple linear regression.
Results
Three PFC profiles were identified: scarce-preparation (23.97%), moderate-preparation (47.00%), and high-avoidance/high-action (29.03%). In the adjusted model, marital status, family members’ health status, self-efficacy, and PFC profile membership were significantly associated with self-support ability. Compared with the high-avoidance/high-action profile, the scarce-preparation profile (
B
= −52.874,
p
B
= −31.296,
p
B
= 2.519,
p
Conclusion
PFC among rural older adults is heterogeneous, and high avoidance can coexist with active care preparation. The action-oriented components of preparation may be particularly relevant to later-life autonomy. Profile-informed, family-sensitive, and community-based approaches warrant further evaluation in longitudinal and intervention studies.