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The shadow of culture: Clan traditions and biological aging in China

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  • Wang, Yijie
  • Xie, Donghong

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of historical Chinese clan culture on the biological aging of middle-aged and older adults. By combining hand-collected genealogical data with the nationally representative China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), we find that stronger clan culture significantly accelerates biological aging. The results are robust to an instrumental variable approach and a series of additional checks. Investigation of potential mechanisms suggests that clan culture operates through increasing risky health behaviors and reinforcing biased health perceptions. These findings underscore the significance of cultural determinants in influencing biological aging.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yijie & Xie, Donghong, 2026. "The shadow of culture: Clan traditions and biological aging in China," The Journal of the Economics of Ageing, Elsevier, vol. 34(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joecag:v:34:y:2026:i:c:s2212828x26000289
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jeoa.2026.100645
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