Gender differences in the impact of emotional support networks on health-related quality of life among floating elderly: a cross-sectional study in China

The overall HRQoL of floating elderly individuals was relatively good. Their emotional support networks were generally "small in size and high in density", with greater convergence than heterogeneity. A large emotional support network may not be necessary, and priority attention should be given to those lacking kin-based emotional support. It is also crucial to emphasize the role of peers and consider gender differences when designing emotional support networks for the floating elderly.