Can older urban migrants achieve active aging? Variations by migration motivation, geographical scale and residential duration

Abstract Grounded in the theory of active aging and considering the dual attributes of mobility and aging, this study systematically assessed the levels of active aging among older urban migrants and uncovered patterns of subgroup heterogeneity within this population. A cross-sectional comparative research design with quantitative methods was employed. Data were collected through a field survey conducted across four cities and 14 urban districts in within Zhejiang Province. A multidimensional evaluation framework was developed, encompassing six dimensions, including individual factors, health-related behaviors, economic conditions, social environments, physical environments, and health and social services. The findings revealed that the overall level of active aging among older urban migrants remained relatively low, with significant deficiencies across core dimensions such as volunteering participation, property ownership, healthcare utilization, and medical insurance accessibility. Moreover, substantial internal heterogeneity was observed, shaped by variations in migration motivation, geographical scale, and length of residence. Quality-of-life-oriented migrants demonstrated higher levels of active aging compared with family-support and economically-driven migrants, while inter-provincial migrants and short-term residents faced greater barriers to accessing health services, social participation, and urban integration. These findings underscore the need to shift public service delivery from a household registration-based model to a residency-oriented approach. Targeted interventions are needed to enhance social inclusion, institutional adaptation, and individual empowerment among older urban migrants. Furthermore, stronger policy coordination and localized support mechanisms are essential for optimizing active aging within urban contexts shaped by migration.