A social network analysis model approach to understanding continuing care retirement community policies in China

Background China is experiencing rapid population aging. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are emerging institutional living arrangements in China for providing older residents with care services. Although the authorities have issued a multitude of supportive policies, they lack a comprehensive overview or in-depth analysis of these policies. This study aims to investigate the dynamic trends of policy hotspots and the progression of coordination between departments. Methods We conducted a thorough content analysis of 204 central-level policies from 2000 to 2026. The temporal distribution and features of CCRC policies over time were examined, followed by co-word analysis and social network analysis (SNA) to identify policy hotspots and cooperation among promulgating departments in each phase. Gephi-supported visualization was used to create graphical maps highlighting policy focuses and the relationships among government departments. Results China’s CCRC policy has transitioned from an exploratory phase (2000–2013) to an industrialization phase (2014–2026). SNA revealed that during the initial phase, policy themes focused on market-based elder care, support measures, supervision, government-market cooperation, and talent introduction. In contrast, the industrialization phase emphasized health, technical innovation, senior care industry growth, and pilot projects and reform. Of the eleven departments initially involved, the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA) was the most active, with participation eventually growing to 36 departments, resulting in 191 interdepartmental collaborations and the formation of three departmental cooperation clusters. Conclusions CCRCs are moving toward increased commercialization, with the market increasingly sharing the responsibility for providing services for older adults. Moreover, participatory governments continue to increase, but there is still a lack of coordination among them.