Latent transition analysis of comprehensive ability among older adults and its influencing factors

NI Yuhan; ZHOU Peili; WEN Xuefang; ZHAO Shuqi; ZHANG Yan

doi:10.12102/j.issn.1009-6493.2026.05.005

Abstract：Objective:To explore the potential profiles of comprehensive ability among older adults in China,the transition patterns over time,and the influencing factors,so as to provide a reference for establishing person-centered individualized care and developing targeted intervention plans.Methods:Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)in 2015 and 2018,latent profile analysis and latent transition analysis were employed to explore the potential categories and transition patterns of comprehensive ability among older adults.Multinomial Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of transitions in comprehensive ability.Results:The comprehensive ability of older adults could be categorized into five latent classes in 2015 and 2018:the relatively healthy group,the emotional disability group,the mild disability group,the moderate disability group,and the severe disability group.The comprehensive ability of older adults with disabilities showed instability over time,presenting both risks of decline and a degree of reversibility.Logistic regression analysis showed that gender,type of permanent residence,marital status,frequency of visits from children,government or social subsidies,and sleep duration were influencing factors for transitions in comprehensive ability among older adults(P<0.05).Conclusions:The comprehensive ability of older adults in China demonstrates population heterogeneity at different time points and exhibits instability over time,with potential for both decline and reversibility.It is essential to establish a person-centered general practice management model with a focus on mobility and activities of daily living,to enhance the assessment and long-term monitoring of comprehensive ability in older adults,and to implement personalized interventions tailored to the characteristics of different older adult groups.