A Comparative Study of Influencing Factors in Urban and Rural Elderly Care Services in China: A Bibliometric Thematic Evolution Analysis

Abstract

Elderly care in China faces stark urban-rural disparities, with urban areas benefiting from advanced infrastructure and technology, while rural regions struggle with resource scarcity and reliance on traditional family care. This study uses bibliometric analysis to explore the evolution of research on urban and rural elderly care from 2000 to 2024, leveraging CiteSpace to highlight differences in resource deployment, service delivery, and policy support. The findings call for equitable resource allocation, innovative technologies, and localized policies to address rural challenges.