From survival to empowerment: A PLS-SEM analysis of residential aging-suitability for empty-nest seniors in urban China

The rapid aging of the population in urban China has led to a significant increase in empty-nest households, necessitating a rigorous evaluation of residential environment suitability. Grounded in Person-Environment Fit theory, this study develops and validates a multidimensional Aging-Suitability Index (ASI) specifically for urban empty-nest seniors. We analyzed survey data from 753 participants across 19 provinces using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The comprehensive structural model demonstrated robust explanatory power (R{superscript 2} = 0.754). The results reveal a hierarchical mechanism of needs: safety features and physical design serve as the survival foundation, exerting the most substantial direct effects on overall suitability. Accessibility was found to enhance suitability primarily by fostering perceived independence, indicating a psychological mechanism of empowerment (Variance Accounted For = 67.35%). Furthermore, intelligent technology and social support function as complementary resources that improve the environment-person fit. These findings suggest that aging-in-place interventions should prioritize mandatory safety upgrades while integrating accessibility modifications to sustain functional autonomy for independent seniors.