How does disability contribute to deprivation in ageing process: a multidimensional analysis

Background In the context of disability and multidimensional deprivation during the ageing process, this paper aims to assess the net effect of multidimensional deprivation in older adults induced by disability with bidirectional causality controlled. Methods Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2011–2018, this paper estimated the multidimensional deprivation in terms of economic condition, subjective well-being, and social participation caused by old age disability, which was assessed by a joint identification method, with instrumental variable employed. Results The results indicate that (1) the higher the degree of disability, the higher the probability and degree of multidimensional deprivation suffered by the old age. (2) And the level of disability has caused more significant deprivation in subjective well-being and social participation dimensions than economic condition. (3) The effect of multidimensional deprivation induced by disability also varies by urban and rural areas. Conclusion More comprehensive health and anti-deprivation policies are needed to accurately identify disability status, prevent associated socio-economic risks, and narrow the urban–rural gap in disability and deprivation.