Determinants of work among older adults in urban China.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the role of personal, family and institutional factors on the work status of older adults in urban China.


METHODS
The analysis was based on data from a large population survey (N = 7381) of community-dwelling urban Chinese aged 60 years and older. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model work status.


RESULTS
Demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, age and self-perceived health status were identified as important determinants of work status. Having material assets, savings, a public pension and health insurance were all negatively correlated with remaining in the workforce, whereas earning a high income was positively correlated.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings have implications regarding the impact of health policy and pension reform on employment retention. While economic growth may create an incentive for some to continue working, the lack of widespread public and private old-age support may force others to remain in the workforce out of economic necessity.
Ling
Davina C
DC
International Center for Economics of Pharmaceuticals, Aging and Health, Department of Economics, California State University, Fullerton, California, USA. dling@fullerton.edu
Chi
Iris
I
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002681:China; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011336:Probability; D012179:Retirement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012943:Social Security; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population; D014937:Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends