Perceived victimization risk, avoidance behavior, and health of community-dwelling older adults in urban China

Objectives: This study examined the associations between perceived crime-specific victimization risk, avoidance behavior, and their relationships with health of older adults.

Method: A representative sample of 453 Chinese aged 60 and older from Kunming provided information on their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived crime victimization risk, avoidance behavior, physical and mental health.

Results: Avoidance behavior was common among participants, with 61.4% avoiding unsafe areas and 42.2% avoiding social activities. Path analyses showed that perceived risk of vandalism was associated with avoiding participating in social activities, while perceived risk of attack was related to avoiding unsafe areas during the day. Meanwhile, avoiding social activities and perceived risk of vandalism were significant predictors of poor mental health, and avoiding unsafe areas was a salient predictor of poor physical health. Perceived risk of attack had an indirect effect on physical health through avoiding unsafe areas during the day.

Conclusion: Study findings highlight the importance of addressing perceived victimization risk in encouraging social participation and mobility among older adults.