Objective To examine health status and its influencing factors among elderly residents in China and to provide references for application of structural equation model (SEM) in researches on health problems in aged populations.

Methods We conducted a face-to-face survey among 1 637 community residents aged ≥ 60 years using stratified random sampling in 7 provinces (Anhui, Hunan, Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shandong, Jiangxi, and Jilin) across China during May-August 2017. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collected relevant information and EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) was used to assess health condition among the elderly. SEM was adopted to analyze main influencing factors for the health status of the elderly.

Results Of all the elderly, 1 246 (76.12%) reported no any difficulty in moving about; 1 349 (82.41%) reported no difficulty in self-care; 1 238 (75.63%) reported no difficulty in physical function during daily activities; and 1349 (59.13%) reported no difficulty in daily activities. More than a half (54.18%) of the elderly were self-rated as healthy. The established SEM fits the data well. The SEM analysis revealed that the health status was associated with family status (β′ = 0.85), individual condition (β′ = 0.62), health related behavior (β′ = 0.57), and psychological cognitive factors (β′ = 0.70)(P < 0.01 for all); whereas, no correlation was indicated between health status and relevant social support among the elderly (P > 0.05).

Conclusion Main influencing factors for health status are family status, personal status, health related behavior, and psychological cognitive factors among elderly residents in China.