China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey Research Articles

Volunteering and Depression among Older Adults: An Empirical Analysis Based on CLASS 2018

Introduction:: Older adults are prone to high levels of depression due to their deteriorating physical functions and shrinking social networks after retirement. Volunteering as an important social activity is essential for alleviating depression by building social network. This paper aims to examine the effect of volunteering on depression among older adults by using China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS 2018) data.Methods:: This study uses descriptive analysis and chi-square tests to show differences in demographic factors of older adults’ volunteerism participation, followed by bivariate correlation analysis to examine the correlation between the vital variables. Afterward, stratified linear regression analysis is used to research the significant level and impact between volunteering and degree of expertise, frequency, and variety of participation.Results:: 8,459 older adults are included in study. The research reveals that older adults who are younger, live in urban areas, are married, or have a higher degree of education tend to have fewer depressive symptoms. Meanwhile, participation in volunteering (OR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.8, 1.1, p < 0.001), as well as that demands specialized skills (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.2, p < 0.001), more frequency of participation (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.53, 2.18, p < 0.001), and a wider variety of activities (OR = 0.21, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.29, p < 0.001), all have a positive influence on depression levels.Discussion/Conclusion:: Older adults who participate in voluntary services have lower depression symptoms and should be encouraged to use their professional skills and increase participation frequency and variety in this process. This article suggests that governments should help older adults participate in voluntary services by time bank which will further strengthen social ties, rebuild social networks and alleviate depression symptoms of older adults.

THE DYNAMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MULTIDIMENTIONAL ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION

Abstract Objectives Physical activity participation is a preventive factor in improving physical and cognitive functions. Both physical and social environments are essential in evaluating older adults’ opportunities to participate in physical activities. This study aims at assessing the multidimensional environment in physical activity participation and examining how the change in the multidimensional environments could affect their participation in physical activities. Methods This paper combined the nationally representative data, the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey data 2014–2018, and the county-level administrative data extracted from various statistical yearbooks. It used the latent variable cross-lagged panel model to capture the dynamic relationship between environment and physical activities. Additionally, the dynamic analytical model considers a multidimensional environment, including indoor-, outdoor-, human-, social-environment, etc., by adding the latent variables. Results The descriptive statistics show that older adults who are in a better environment (.147 in the indoor environment, p &amp;lt; 0.001; .389 in the outdoor environment, p &amp;lt; 0.01; .571 in family support, p &amp;lt; 0.05; .346 in childhood activity experience, p &amp;lt; 0.001) are more likely to frequently participate in physical activities (three times or more per week). The results of the latent cross-lagged panel models indicate that every one percent increase in the multidimensional environmental index is expected to cause a 4.1% increase in the likelihood of participating in physical activities among Chinese older adults. Discussion: In addition to the continuous efforts to improve the physical environment, policymakers and researchers should pay more attention to the social environment to encourage more older adults to participate in physical activities.

PATHWAYS OF IMPROVING SOCIAL CAPABILITY OF OLDER ADULTS WITH FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS: FINDINGS FROM MIXED METHODS

Abstract Objectives Social capabilities are the opportunities to realize people’s potential. Despite an established positive link between health status and social capabilities among older adults, the relationship mechanisms are understudied. Methods Using the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey data 2014–2018, this paper examined the possible mediating role of community participation through which older adults (aged 60 and above) in China with functional limitations improved or maintained their social capabilities. By conducting the 12 in-depth interviews, this study explores how community participation altered the negative associations between functional limitations and social capabilities among Chinese older adults. Results Findings from the quantitative study show that both physical (-.136, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and cognitive (-.149, p &amp;lt; 0.001) functional limitations showed consistent and negative effects on the social capabilities of older adults, and the effects varied between males and females. The mediation analysis results show that community participation accounted for a substantial proportion of the impact of functional limitations (36.33%) on social capabilities. However, functional limitations still had strong, negative direct effects of their own. Findings from the qualitative narrative synthesis show that peer companionship, regular physical activities, and reduced digital obstacles to accessing online social media during social participation are the self-perceived driving force in enhancing their sense of security, freedom of expression, and sense of social cohesion. Discussion: Findings from this study highlight the need for more social policies and services to encourage community participation among older adults.

Internet access, support, usage divides, and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: A nationally representative cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study examines the associations between multiple sub-dimensions of the digital divide, including Internet access, support, usage divides, and depressive symptoms among older adults as well as the potential moderating effects of rural/urban status on these associations in China. MethodsData were obtained from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, which provided a nationally representative sample of 11,418 participants aged 60 years and older. Multivariate linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between digital divide and depressive symptoms. The moderating role of rural/urban status was tested based on the interaction terms. ResultsAfter controlling for the covariates, access to Internet devices, support for Internet use from family, and using the Internet for communication, entertainment, or as instruments, were found to be significantly associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms (P < 0.05), and compared with no access to the Internet, accessing and using the Internet was significantly related to decreased depressive risks (P < 0.001), whereas access to the Internet with non-use was not statistically significant. Additionally, the associations between multidimensional aspects of the digital divide and depressive symptoms were moderated by rural/urban status, with these associations being significantly stronger among rural older adults (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThis study highlights the importance of assessing the associations between digital divide and depressive symptoms from the multidimensional perspectives of access, support, and usage. Policy interventions targeting various aspects of the digital divide should be implemented to ensure active Internet engagement among older adults, especially those living in rural areas.

Social isolation and loneliness among Chinese older adults: Examining aging attitudes as mediators and moderators.

Due to labor migration and social changes, the Chinese elderly are facing significant social isolation, along with changes in aging attitudes. However, whether social isolation affects loneliness among the Chinese elderly and whether this relationship is moderated and mediated by aging attitudes is unclear. This empirical study aimed to respond to the above questions in the Chinese context, Based on the data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (N = 6,645), the results showed that social isolation is a positive predictor of loneliness; aging attitudes mediate the relationship between social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation affects the loneliness of the elderly partially by weakening positive aging attitudes and strengthening negative aging attitudes; aging attitudes moderate the effect of social isolation on loneliness. For those older adults with higher positive aging attitudes, social isolation has a much smaller effect on loneliness. While for those older adults with higher negative aging attitudes, social isolation has a more substantial effect on their feelings of loneliness. Our results indicate that less social isolation is an effective way to relieve loneliness, and maintaining higher positive aging attitudes and lower negative aging attitudes, is important for the Chinese elderly to prevent loneliness when facing social isolation.

From bringing up sons to raising daughters for old age: Patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security in the Chinese mainland

China has long held the belief that “raising sons prevents hardships in old age”, which constitutes the financial incentive for the son preference that still prevails in some Asian nations. Using the 2012 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this research examines the current state of the elderly's patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security and how they are shaped by several transformations within the family. This study yields three significant findings. First, elderly parents who have sons asking for too much help and support tend to believe that “having daughters is best for one's old age”. Second, having more living sons lowers the likelihood of abandoning patrilineal beliefs regarding old-age security, while being sonless raises the likelihood. Finally, daughters’ growing commitment to their parents’ well-being increases the likelihood of non-customary beliefs with regard to old-age security. As a result, this study emphasizes the significance of women's active role in old-age support and low fertility in fostering gender equality and undermining patrilineality.

Formal volunteering and depressive symptoms among Community-Dwelling older adults in China: A longitudinal cross-level analysis.

The role of formal volunteering in mental health promotion among older adults in China has been widely discussed during recent decades. However, the relationship connecting mental health with cross-level interaction (i.e., average levels of participation in the community vs. individual participation) is still unclear. This paper examined the effects of cross-level formal volunteering on depressive symptoms among older adults living in China. Using two waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, a sample of 3128 Chinese older adults was surveyed in 2014 and 2016. Depressive symptoms were measured using the abbreviated CES-D-9. Individual fixed-effects ordinary least squares regression models assessed the associations between individual- and community-level formal volunteering and depressive symptoms in urban and rural areas separately. We found that in the urban sample, formal volunteering activities were negatively associated with depressive symptoms at the individual level (β= -0.49, SE= 0.22, p< 0.05). Higher community-level formal volunteering was positively associated with depressive symptoms (β= 2.82, SE= 1.42, p< 0.05). When adding interactions between individual and community levels, engagement in individual-level formal volunteering was associated with lower rates of depressive symptoms as community volunteering participation levels increased (β= -3.07, SE= 1.07, p< 0.01). High community-level volunteering participation was detrimental for non-volunteers. In rural areas, neither community- nor individual-level formal volunteering was associated with changes in depressive symptoms. The current findings demonstrate formal volunteering may not always benefit mental health for all. The effects may depend on the community context and individual choices. Social policies aimed to promote mental health through formal volunteering need to be tailored according to the specific community social environment.

Family Networks, Social Networks, and Life Satisfaction of Older Adults in China.

Older adults’ family networks and social networks are important factors that influence life satisfaction, but their transmission mechanisms have not been adequately discussed. The objective of this study was to examine the mechanisms through which family networks and social networks influence the life satisfaction of older adults. We empirically examined the effects and mechanisms of older adults’ family networks and social networks on their life satisfaction using the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey with a sample size of 11,418 older adults aged 60 years and older. In the research sample, 6.47% of older adults were subjected to at least one form of mistreatment. The research results indicate that family networks (β = 0.0060, p < 0.05) and social networks (β = 0.0122, p < 0.01) have a significant positive effect on older adults’ life satisfaction. The mechanism-of-action test found that family networks and social networks enhance older adults’ life satisfaction, mainly by reducing the level of physical mistreatment they experience, but these networks cannot improve the life satisfaction of the elderly by reducing their emotional mistreatment. Further research found that community-provided medical escorts, home chores, and meal delivery services can all alleviate the decline in life satisfaction among older adults due to emotional mistreatment. This study deepens our understanding of how older adults’ family and social networks affect their life satisfaction as we examine the mediating role of the physical and emotional mistreatment of older adults and discuss the effects of potential policy interventions.

Does Internet Use Promote 'Active Ageing'?

The rapid development of Internet technology has not only expanded the intergenerational interaction between the elderly and their children but also diversified the social participation and entertainment of the elderly. Based on the 2016 data released by the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, this paper used traditional regression and PSM methods to investigate the influence of Internet use on elderly people's provision of care and participation in social volunteer services from the perspective of " active ageing ", and conducted a robustness test.The analysis found that Internet use has a significant positive effect on the 'active ageing' of older people and that the use of smartphones to access the Internet can also have a positive effect. In the context of the country's vigorous promotion of "Internet Plus" for the elderly, it is important to actively carry out "ageing-friendly" renovation of relevant Internet facilities, encourage the elderly to access and learn to use the Internet, and increase their Internet usage rate.

Activity Patterns and Loneliness in Later Life: The Mediating Effects of Social Support and Attitudes Toward Aging

ABSTRACT Studies have documented the inconsistent influences of activity participation on health. However, the underlying mechanisms connecting activity patterns to loneliness are relatively understudied. Using data on 8,545 respondents aged 60 or older from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, we used latent class analysis to identify the patterns of participating in eight activities and path analysis to examine the mediating effects of formal support, informal support, and aging attitudes in the relationship of activity patterns and loneliness. Three meaningful patterns of activity (high activity, low activity, and working caregivers) were identified. Working caregivers and low activity groups, compared to high activity, showed higher levels of loneliness in later life. Informal support, rather than formal support, and attitudes toward aging mediated the relationship between activity patterns and loneliness in later life. This study highlights the importance of fuller engagement in diverse political, economic, and community activities to prevent loneliness. Additionally, intervention programs that facilitate joint support from family, community, and government and shape scientific understanding of aging are critical for alleviating loneliness in later life.

Association of empty nest with depressive symptom among Chinese elderly population: The China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey.

Currently, empty nest has become one type of the family pattern among the old population and it influences the old population’s mental health. The current study aimed to explore the association between the empty nest and depressive symptoms (DSs) among the elderly population in China. Data were obtained from baseline of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Logistic regression was used to examine the association between the empty nest and DS among Chinese older adults. In the current study, 48% of the subjects were empty-nest elderly. The prevalence of DS was 43.7% among the empty-nest old population, which was higher than the nonempty nesters. A positive association was found between the empty nest and DS; the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 1.28 (1.16–1.42). No matter living with a spouse or living alone, empty nesters were more likely to have DS than nonempty nesters. Empty nest is a risk factor for having DS among the old population in China, especially among those who live without a spouse. Our result is valuable for the development of special family support DS prevention programs for those who were empty nest.

Association between internet use and successful aging of older Chinese women: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe internet has become ubiquitous in contemporary human life. However, little is known about the association between internet use and older people’s aging process, especially that of older women.MethodsUsing the nationally representative dataset of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2016, we examined the relationship between internet usage and the successful aging of older Chinese women. The sample in this study consisted of 2713 respondents with an average age of 69.963 years. Successful aging was defined as no major diseases, no disability, high cognitive functioning, high physical functioning, and active engagement with life. Older women’s internet use behavior was represented by internet use frequency. Probit and instrumental variable models were employed to test the association between internet use frequency and successful aging of older women. The Karlson/Holm/Breen (KHB) mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediating effect of social capital on the relationship between internet use frequency and older women’s successful aging.ResultsUsing a probit model (coefficient = 0.030, p < 0.001) and an instrumental variable probit model (coefficient = 0.287, p < 0.001), it was found that a successful aging status was significantly correlated with an increase in internet use frequency. The functional mechanism analysis suggested that social capital partially mediated the overall association between internet use frequency and successful aging.ConclusionsThis study suggests that the more frequently older Chinese women use the internet, the greater the possibility of successful aging. Our findings provide new evidence from China about the determinants of older women’s aging process and aid in formulating targeted aging policies for older women in developing countries and regions.

Does Distance Make Happiness? Geographic Proximity of Adult Children and the Well-being of Older Persons

ABSTRACT This study investigates the association between the intergenerational geographic proximity of adult children and the well-being of older persons in China. Data from the 2014 wave of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey was analyzed using probit analysis. Results reveal an inverted U-shaped relationship between the geographic proximity of adult children and the well-being of older people in urban but not rural areas. Older adults who live independently but with adult children living close by have significantly higher life satisfaction than those who live with or at a distance from their children. The findings suggest that more comprehensive top-level policy designs with respect to the allocation and management of affordable housing should be employed to encourage nearby-living and hence improve the system for supporting older adults.

Social exclusion and health outcomes among empty nest and non-empty nest older people in China

AbstractMany existing studies lack a comprehensive picture of the social exclusion statuses and health outcomes of empty nesters and those empty nesters living alone or with a spouse only. Cross-sectional analysis was conducted on representative national data from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, focusing on respondents aged 60 and above (N = 7,923). Four dimensions of social exclusion (social relationships, subjective feeling of being excluded, social activities and financial products) and three health outcomes (self-reported health (SRH), activities of daily living (ADLs) and depression), were considered. Results show that ‘empty nest’ older people were more likely to be excluded from social relationships and to experience subjective feelings of being excluded, and were less likely to participate in social activities than non-empty nesters. Empty nesters were significantly less likely to report fair SRH and ADL difficulties than non-empty nesters, but they were more likely to report having depression than non-empty nesters. Among ‘empty nest’ older people, empty nesters who were living alone were associated with higher levels of being excluded from social relationships and to experience subjective feelings of being excluded than those who were living with a spouse only. Future research could focus on the development of age-friendly communities which act as health interventions to address relevant situations of social exclusion and depression among empty nesters.

The Impact of Internet Use on Community Participation of Older Adults: Evidence From China

This article explores the association between Internet use and community participation of older adults using data from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) in 2016. The empirical results indicate that there is a significant positive association between Internet use and the intention of community participation of older adults. Moreover, mediating effect investigation shows that Internet use promotes the intention of community engagement of the older adults by improving subjective health. The benchmark results are still consistent after addressing the potential endogeneity by employing propensity score matching method. Finally, subsample analysis suggests no significant difference in this positive effect between urban and rural older adults.

The effect of serving as a danwei leader before retirement on self-rated post-retirement health: empirical evidence from China

BackgroundWorker health is often influenced by their occupation type, and the accumulative effect of occupation has a significant impact on their health after retirement. Studies show that the type and level of occupation before retirement directly impact workers’ self-rated post-retirement health. However, there is little research on the self-rated post-retirement health of danwei leaders in China. This study seeks to examine the self-rated health level of Chinese danwei leaders after retirement. Furthermore, the differences between their self-rated health level and that of retirees from other occupations are explored by examining the accumulative effect of occupation and the mechanism underlying these differences.MethodsBased on 5,910 samples’ data from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, ordinary least squares, logit, and propensity score matching models are used to investigate the self-rated health level of Chinese danwei leaders after retirement, their differences with other occupations, and the corresponding mechanism.ResultsThe results show that retired danwei leaders have higher self-rated health levels than retirees in other occupations. This was mainly found among female, non-eastern, married, not living with children, and highly educated respondents. The difference in self-rated health between retired danwei leaders and other retired groups was influenced by their post-retirement income and social status.ConclusionsIn China, retired danwei leaders rated their health higher than retirees from other occupations. Danwei leaders have high socioeconomic status due to their occupation. Compared with other groups, their advantages are significant and enjoyed for a long time. Additionally, most danwei leaders have high social influence even after retirement and their higher income and social status have a positive impact on their self-rated health compared with other employees. This study provides empirical evidence from China and extends current literature on the effects of occupational type and level on self-rated health after retirement.

Social Isolation, Cognitive Function, and Depression Among Chinese Older Adults: Examining Internet Use as a Predictor and a Moderator.

ObjectivesDespite the theoretical and practical interest in Internet use among older adults, evidence examining the impacts of Internet use on late-in-life health is limited. This study examines how Internet use affects depression and cognitive function in older adults and investigates if Internet use moderates the relationship between social isolation and depression/cognitive function.MethodWe performed regression analyses using data came from the second wave of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey of 2016. Our final sample featured 8,835 older adults.ResultsThe results show 11.4% of Chinese older adults often used the Internet to engage in at least one activity. Internet use was negatively associated with depression, but it was positively related to cognitive function. Socially isolated older adults were more likely to have more depressive symptoms and higher level of cognitive function. There was also an interaction effect between Internet use and social isolation on depression/cognitive function. The negative effect of social isolation was stronger for older adults who used the Internet less. The moderating effect of Internet use was significant for both males and females. However, among those who used the Internet more, the depression levels of socially isolated male participants were much lower than female participants.ConclusionsOur results reveal the importance of considering Internet use in buffering the negative effects of social isolation and the associated health burdens for aging populations. Recommendations for service practice and future research are discussed.

Too old to plan? Age identity and financial planning among the older population of China

We study how age identity (measured by the difference between chronological age and perceived old age), influences financial planning among the older population (60+) in China. Using data from three waves of the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey, we show that individuals who feel younger have a significantly higher probability of making financial plans. That such an effect exists in sub-samples divided by age and retirement status implies the relevance of financial planning even for individuals with advanced ages. It is consistent with the hypothesis that old individuals who feel younger have higher perceived cognitive abilities and hence higher motivation to make financial plans. However, an unfavorable perception of social aging culture moderates such a positive effect. Age identity can further impact the downstream economic behaviors of saving and investing, either directly or indirectly, through financial planning. Finally, a younger age identity also increases an individual's willingness to internalize the responsibility of eldercare. Our findings imply that it is important to consider individuals' age identity when crafting and implementing old-age policies.

Impact of activities of daily living on depression in the elderly aged 60 and above in China

Objective: To explore the impact of activities of daily living (ADL) on depression in the elderly and the role of social networks and children's support. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained as participants aged 60 and above from the "China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey 2018",with a sample size of 10 215. ADL, social network and depression were measured on scales. The moderated mediation model was used to analyze the role of social networks and children's support. The SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, the PROCESS 3.3 macro program was used to test the moderated mediation effect. Results: A total of 10 760 participants aged 60 and above were included. Activities of daily living showed a direct impact on depression in the elderly (β=-0.090, P<0.01), with social network playing a mediating role (β=0.035, P<0.01; β=-0.064, P<0.05) and children's support played a moderating role (β=-0.029, P<0.05) in the relationship between the elderly's ADL and depression. Conclusions: The social network is an essential buffer to declining ADL's negative impact on depression of older adults. Children's support is a powerful supplement to enhance social networks' positive role and reduce the risk of elderly depression. Exerting the combined advantages of social networks and children's support are important ways to maintain the elderly's mental health.

Effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Late-life Mental Health: Potential Mechanisms Based on a Nationally Representative Survey in China

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are risk factors in the mental health of older adults; however, little is known about its underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the mediating role of physical and cognitive functions and the moderating role of number of children in the association between ACEs and mental health. A sample of 8,494 Chinese older adults are drawn from the 2018 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey. Findings show that ACEs have negative effects on mental health of older adults. Physical and cognitive functions partially mediate the above relationship. Furthermore, the effect of ACEs on mental health is stronger for older adults with fewer rather than more children. This study advances extant knowledge by illuminating the possible mechanisms of how ACEs influence later-life mental health. Important policy and practical implications are provided.