China Retirement Research Articles

“Navigating a Path Beyond the Finish Line” — How Can Post-Retirement Support Enhance the Transition for Athletes After Retirement in China?

This paper investigates the post-retirement challenges faced by Chinese athletes and proposes solutions to improve their career transitions. Despite government efforts, many Chinese athletes—primarily from economically disadvantaged families—continue to struggle with inadequate education, health issues, and limited employment opportunities. This study analyzes existing research and benchmarks international athlete transition systems, seeking ways to improve China’s current approach. By comparing China’s system with those in other countries, the findings highlight the need for comprehensive education, better healthcare, and enhanced employment opportunities for retired athletes. Key recommendations include providing short-term pre-retirement training focused on life after sports, improving long-term educational preparation, and encouraging athletes to develop intellectual property and foster a positive public image for external financial stability. In addition, government policies should be improved to offer more appropriate job opportunities and stronger post-retirement support. By refining the current athlete retirement system, this paper aims to facilitate a smoother transition for athletes as they navigate beyond their sports careers.

Self-care behaviours of first-generation Chinese immigrants living with cardiovascular disease: A qualitative study.

To identify and describe self-care behaviours performed by Chinese immigrants living with cardiovascular disease in Australia, and factors perceived as barriers and facilitators to evidence-based cardiac self-care. A qualitative descriptive design. Individual semi-structured phone interviews were conducted among participants meeting the following criteria: (1) first-generation Chinese immigrants to Australia, born in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan; (2) Australian permanent residents or citizens; (3) self-reported or medically diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke or heart failure; (4) able to speak English or Mandarin; (5) able to provide informed consent, excluding those with history or evidence of impaired cognition such as dementia. Participants were recruited via social media, Chinese community associations and medical centres from September 2021 to June 2022. Data were analysed using inductive and deductive thematic analysis, guided by the Middle-Range Theory of Self-Care of Chronic Illness. The study was reported in line with the COREQ checklist. Twenty participants were interviewed, 60% female, mean age 69.9 years. Most migrated to Australia at older age following their retirement in China; most had limited English proficiency. Many practiced adequate self-care for their CVD in self-care maintenance and monitoring. Variously, they adopted heart-healthy diets, developed exercise routines, attended medical services and closely monitored their body signs and symptoms. However, self-adjusting medications, taking Traditional Chinese Medicine and self-administering health supplements were prevalent practices and first-response management of acute cardiac symptoms was suboptimal. Linguistic and cultural barriers to obtaining mainstream heart health information meant most participants resorted to informal, anecdotal and mainland Chinese sources. Diverse factors were held responsible for sub-optimal self-care behaviours but lack of access to linguistically and culturally appropriate heart health information was widely blamed. Linguistically and culturally appropriate community-based heart health education programmes are urgently needed, targeting healthy lifestyle modification, medication literacy and cardiac symptom management. Study findings can be used to improve cardiac nurses' cultural sensitivity and practices targeting Chinese immigrants. Partnering with Chinese community associations offers health service providers and policymakers an innovative route to co-design and deliver targeted heart health education interventions and support for this population. Chinese community centre managers contributed to data collection by supporting participant recruitment.

A research proposal to examine psychological factors that influence financial planning for retirement in China

The life expectancy rate of individuals worldwide has risen, and China is not excluded. Combined with an aging population, increasing pressure on the pension fund system, and a lack of savings, it poses a significant challenge to financial security unless measures are taken to improve individuals’ planning and financial well-being in retirement. This study aims to examine the psychological factors that influence individuals' FPR, thereby expanding the explanatory models for retirement savings decisions and behaviors. Using the CWO Model and supported by image Theory and the 3M Model, this research focuses on how the interaction between future time perspective, risk tolerance, retirement goal clarity, subjective financial literacy and objective financial literacy as psychological characteristics influence individuals' FPR. To obtain meaningful results, back translation was used to check the accuracy of the preliminary translation of research instruments. This translation method was also combined with the pretest method of expert reviews and cognitive interviews to increase the validity of the survey questionnaire. A purposive sampling technique will be applied to collect data from adults who are over 23 years old and have a certain income stream in six cities in China. The Structural Equation Modelling software will be used to examine the hypotheses of direct and mediating effects. This study has implications for financial market regulators, policy makers, and consumers. Keywords: CWO model; decision-making; financial planning; financial literacy; psychological factors; retirement

Household financial literacy and retirement planning in rural China

Amid the prevailing importance of discussing rural villagers' retirement in China, this study analyzes the relationship between the financial literacy of rural residents and their plans for retirement. Using in-depth survey data from the Greater Bay Area, this work examines the region's demographic structures and presents the different levels of rural residents' financial literacy. The findings are robust and indicate a positive correlation between financial literacy and retirement planning. The examination also reveals the moderating role of risk attitudes to explain how financial literacy influences plans for retirement. Subsequent programs for rural residents can enhance their financial literacy, address issues regarding retirement, and collectively attain shared prosperity.

Determinants of Retirement in China: A Lifecycle Analysis of Pension Scheme and Health

Determinants of Retirement in China: A Lifecycle Analysis of Pension Scheme and Health

Everyday Activities of Older Adults in Tianjin, China: Coupling Constraints, Gendered Mobilities and Social Context.

Many Western studies have indicated that older women are generally more vulnerable in terms of mobility compared to older men, particularly regarding driving. However, the situation may differ in the context of China. This study, based on activity diaries and semi-structured interviews, focuses on the spatiotemporal behavior of older adults in Tianjin and explores how the constraints posed by activity companions (in terms of type, size, and composition) shape the mobilities of older men and women, including activity locations, travel distances, and transportation modes. The key findings are as follows: First, older women are more engaged with their families due to a higher percentage and longer duration of activities spent with family members. Second, older men tend to have more concentrated travel distances near their homes compared to older women. Third, older women exhibit a broader range of activities in different locations and engage in longer-distance leisure travel with family members when compared to older men. In the context of Western literature, this study discusses older women's enhanced social interactions, their earlier retirement in China, and the impact of COVID-19 as factors that help explain these findings. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of accompanied mobilities among Chinese older adults using geographical theory and methods, emphasizing the importance of flexible work schedules for the workforce and the organization of community-based activities to promote the social interactions and mobilities of older adults.

Interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on subjective memory impairment among older people in China: evidence from the China health and retirement longitudinal study database

BackgroundSubjective memory impairment (SMI) is common in older people. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing SMI among older people in China, with specific focus on the interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on the risk of SMI.MethodsUsing a dataset representative of the Chinese population from a longitudinal study of health and retirement in China, subjects with SMI were screened using the question “how do you feel about your memory now?” and the Mini-Mental State Examination. A logistic regression model was applied to explore the factors affecting SMI. Additive and multiplicative models were used to analyze the interaction effect of midday napping duration and depressive symptoms on the risk of SMI.ResultsWe enrolled 8,254 subjects included and the incidence of SMI was 63.9%. Depressive symptoms, nap time, and physical activity were influencing factors of SMI. Midday napping duration and depressive symptoms had positive additive interaction effects on the risk of SMI. When extended-length naps and depressive symptoms coexisted, the risk of SMI was 1.06 times greater than that for either alone (RERI, relative excess risk due to interaction = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.07–0.43; AP, attributable proportion = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.01–0.23; S, synergy index = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.57–1.62). When short naps and depressive symptoms coexisted, the risk of SMI was 1.2 times higher than that for either alone (RERI = 0.12, 95% CI=-0.14–0.39; AP = 0.13, 95% CI=-0.07–0.22; S = 1.20, 95% CI = 0.79–1.82).LimitationsSince this was a cross-sectional study, the cause-and-effect relationships between the associated variables cannot be inferred.ConclusionsThe interaction effect that exists between nap time and depressive symptoms in older people is important for the identification and early intervention of people at risk for SMI.

Unequal Duties and Unequal Retirement: Decomposing the Women's Labor Force Decline in Postreform China

The gender gap in labor force participation (LFP) in China has grown over the last 30 years, despite substantial advances in women's education and economic development. Previous research has identified gender discrimination and work–family conflicts as two key explanations for the gap, both of which have risen since the start of China's economic reform in 1978. Using multiple waves of the national census and household panel data from China, this research shows that one overlooked mechanism widening the LFP gender gap lies in the institutional constraints that require women to retire earlier than men. This research also demonstrates how the impact of women's early retirement on the LFP gender gap has been exacerbated by two societal-level changes: (1) population aging, which increased the share of women who reached the retirement age; and (2) economic development, which increased the number of women entering nonfarming occupations and, hence, the gender-based retirement system. These findings suggest that without significant revisions to China's retirement system, the LFP gender gap will continue to expand as the population ages and economic development proceeds.

The Economic Impact of Population Aging in China: Effectiveness of Delayed Retirement

China, being a populous country, is facing the challenges and opportunities brought by population aging. This research paper explores the potential of delayed retirement as a policy intervention to address the impact of population aging on China's social and economic development. The paper reviews relevant literature on the challenges and implications of an aging population, discusses the current situation of population aging in China, and analyzes the potential benefits and limitations of delayed retirement as a policy response. The research finds that China's population is still relatively abundant in labor resources, but aging poses challenges to social and economic development. Delayed retirement, as a policy intervention, has social value and economic significance in alleviating the aging problem. However, limitations such as the lack of data on the long-term impact of population aging on the economy and the absence of official implementation of delayed retirement in China should be acknowledged. The paper also highlights the need for future research to focus on motivating workers to accept and actively choose delayed retirement, prioritizing young people's employment opportunities, addressing fertility issues, and considering a global perspective in contrasting the problems faced by developed and developing countries. In conclusion, while delayed retirement holds potential as a policy intervention for addressing the challenges of population aging in China, further research is needed to fully understand its impact and limitations. By adopting a comprehensive approach that considers the economic, social, healthcare, and employment aspects of aging, policymakers can develop effective strategies to promote the well-being and sustainability of an aging society in China and beyond.

Harmonizing the Yin and Yang: Gender Disparities in Subjective Well-Being after Retirement in China

Harmonizing the Yin and Yang: Gender Disparities in Subjective Well-Being after Retirement in China

Participation in community seniors' organizations and mental health among retired adults in urban China: The mediating role of interpersonal needs.

This study aimed to investigate the association between participation in community seniors' organizations (CSOs) and mental health among retired adults in urban China, and illustrate the causal mechanism. We collected data on participation from a community seniors' organization and mental health survey in Shenzhen City, China, in July 2022. The survey used a two-stage cluster sample design, based on administrative divisions as the primary sampling unit and communities as the second sampling unit, where retired adults were randomly sampled. The inclusion criteria were individuals >60 years old (the mandatory age for retirement in China) or women who retired early at the age of 45 years. We used three multivariable regression models to estimate the effects of participation in CSOs on mental health. Furthermore, we used structural equation models to examine the mediator of acquired interpersonal needs in the association between CSOs participation and mental health. The study examined the values of CSOs, generated explicitly for older adults and explained how participation in such organizations benefits retired adults' mental health. Mental health is defined in three dimensions: aggregate mental health, positive emotions, and negative emotions. The results show that constituting social networks with like-minded individuals and perceiving interpersonal needs are the two main benefits of CSOs on mental health. The retired individual who participated in CSOs with a higher level of diversity and frequency, joined specific types such as health- and study-related CSOs, could receive more interpersonal needs and were probably mentally healthier. The mediating mechanism of interpersonal needs associated with participation in mental health was significant. Besides, mental health is generally affected by physical health, sleep quality, and socioeconomic status. This study suggested that CSOs have expanded the social interaction channels of retired adults and affected their mental health by providing basic interpersonal needs such as inclusion, dominance, and affection. Among the types of CSOs, health and study organizations might enhance mental health most effectively, while semi-official organizations have no effect.

Transformational leadership and older teachers’ intention to delay retirement in China: the roles of organization-based self-esteem and life expectancy

Transformational leadership and older teachers’ intention to delay retirement in China: the roles of organization-based self-esteem and life expectancy

One country, two systems: evidence on retirement patterns in China.

This paper documents the patterns and correlates of retirement in China using a nationally representative survey, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. After documenting stark differences in retirement ages between urban and rural residents, the paper shows that China's urban residents retire earlier than workers in many Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development countries and that rural residents continue to work until advanced ages. Differences in access to generous pensions and economic resources explain much of the urban-rural difference in retirement rates. The paper suggests that reducing disincentives created by China's Urban Employee Pension system, improving health status, providing childcare and elder care support may all facilitate longer working lives. Given spouse preferences for joint retirement, creating incentives for women to retire later may facilitate longer working lives for both men and women.

When Income Declines and Morbidity Rises: An Inquiry into Consumption Smoothing in the Transition to Retirement in China

China still relies on out-of-pocket (OOP) medical spending, having a high prevalence of catastrophic payments with large poverty impacts for individuals. Taking age-associated morbidity into account, people of an advanced age encounter health-related income shocks more often than younger cohorts. Exploiting the Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), I use a fixed effects regression model to investigate whether pensions and health insurance allow for consumption smoothing in the presence of health shocks. I provide suggestive evidence that pensions slightly decrease non-food consumption when health shocks occur. Moreover, health insurance does not seem to completely substitute costly smoothing mechanisms. I record an ongoing trend of increasing OOP spending on hospitalization, with health insurance reducing these by 19 percent. Financial transfers from family members remain an important unofficial insurance channel for households to cope with health shocks.

Ageing, Work and Retirement in China, East and Southeast Asia

Ageing, Work and Retirement in China, East and Southeast Asia

Healthcare utilization at retirement in China.

Previous studies, mostly analyzing data from high-income economies, present mixed evidence on the relationship between retirement and healthcare utilization. This study leverages administrative data for over 80,000 urban Chinese workers to explore the effect of retirement on outpatient and inpatient care utilization using a fuzzy regression discontinuity design. The analyses of medical claims from a large city in China complement and extend the current literature by providing evidence of potential mechanisms underlying increased short-run utilization. In this relatively well-insured population, annual total healthcare expenditures significantly increase primarily because of more intensive use of outpatient care at retirement, especially at the right tail of the distribution of outpatient visits. This increase in outpatient care appears to stem from a decline in the patient cost-sharing rate and the reduced opportunity cost of time upon retirement, interacting with supplier-induced demand, not from any sudden impact on health. We do not find evidence of change in inpatient care at retirement. The results hold for both females and males, and are robust to a number of sensitivity analyses.

One Country, Two Systems: Evidence on Retirement Patterns in China

This paper documents the patterns and correlates of retirement in China using a nationally representative survey, the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). After documenting stark differences in retirement ages between urban and rural residents, the paper shows that China's urban residents retire earlier than workers in many OECD countries and that rural residents continue to work until advanced ages. Differences in access to generous pensions and economic resources explain much of the urban-rural difference in retirement rates. The paper suggests that reducing disincentives created by China's Urban Employee Pension system, improving health status, providing childcare and elder care support may all facilitate longer working lives. Given spouse preferences for joint retirement, creating incentives for women to retire later may facilitate longer working lives for both men and women.

Changes in blood pressure during the transition of retirement: the role of physical activity in China.

As baby boomers begin to retire, China faces an unprecedented transition in its labor market. A healthy transition into retirement, whereby a health status is retained, can curb medical care expenditures. However, little is known about health effects of retirement in China. Thus, this study investigated whether and to what extent retirement affected retirees' blood pressure, and the role that leisure physical activity played in this relationship. We used a nationally representative panel data collected during the 2004, 2006, 2009, and 2011 waves of the Chinese Health Nutrition Survey. Respondents who were older than 35 years and younger than 70 were included; our final sample size was 26,190. A four-step mediation model was constructed to examine the relationships between retirement, leisure physical activity, and blood pressure. Retirement predicted an decrease in systolic (coefficient of length time of retirement: -0.117; standard error:0.041; p < 0.01) and diastolic blood pressure level (coefficient of length time of retirement: -0.204; standard error: 0.062; p < 0.01), and a lower prevalence of hypertension (odd ratio of length time of retirement: 0.979; 95% CI: 0.968-0.990; p < 0.01) without leisure physical activity adjusted. However, these effects were reduced when the effects of physical activity were controlled for. A mediation effect of physical activity on the association between retirement and likelihood of hypertension/blood pressure was observed. These findings have implications for public policy that aims to promote health by taking advantage of postretirement adaptation; specifically, the findings suggest that the promotion of physical activity may facilitate a healthier transition into retirement.

Retirement Effect on Health Status and Health Behaviors in Urban China.

This paper analyzes the causal impact of retirement in China on Body Mass Index (BMI) and weight, which are a good gauge of the risk for some diseases. Many middle income developing countries are aging very rapidly and may have to adjust the retirement age to have financially feasible government budgets. It is important to know and understand any plausible health consequences of raising the retirement age in developing countries, and which sub-populations within these countries may be most affected. By using 2011, 2013 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), our identification strategy uses variation in China's mandatory retirement age with a fuzzy discontinuity design to examine an exogenous shock to retirement behavior. Our study finds that retirement will increase weight and BMI among men. This effect is much larger for men with low education. The channel may be that men with low education drink more and take less vigorous exercises after they get retired. Retirement does not affect weight and BMI for women. These effects are robust with different definitions of retirement, narrow retirement bandwidth for samples as well as dropping samples with rural Hukou.

Social Participation and Self-Perception of Being Old in China.

Longer life expectancy means that chronological age is no longer a useful indicator of defining old age. This study included 6,452 participants aged 60 years and older from the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey to investigate the relationships between different types of social participation and self-perception of being old in China. Ordinary least square regression was applied. Results show that respondents who engaged in political participation or community participation reported higher self-perception of being old than those who did not engage in these social participations. Respondents who provided more care for grandchildren reported self-perception of being old at younger age. In the context of delaying retirement in China, obligatory participation was associated with an earlier start of the self-perception of being old. Elimination of mandatory retirement and separating that from pension eligibility may be good choices for promoting active aging.