Menopause and energy poverty

This study examines the relationship between menopause and women's susceptibility to energy poverty using panel data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The results suggest that menopausal women are at a greater risk of experiencing energy poverty compared to their non-menopausal counterparts, with reduced personal income identified as a key mediator. Although cognitive function tends to decline among menopausal women, it does not appear to mediate the relationship between menopause and energy poverty. We also find that social participation, social support, social trust, and urban living conditions moderate the negative relationship between menopause and energy poverty. These findings contribute to our understanding of the gendered dimensions of energy poverty and highlight the need for targeted policies that address the specific energy needs and vulnerabilities of menopausal women. The results are robust to a series of sensitivity checks. • Menopausal women are more vulnerable to energy poverty than non-menopausal women. • Lower personal income is a mediator between menopause and energy poverty. • Social participation, social support, social trust, and urban living moderate the relationship between menopause and energy poverty.