Activities, Sociodemographic Characteristics, Psychological Wellbeing, and Life Quality of the Chinese Elderly

• In Event: 30860 - Section on Aging and the Life Course Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 9. Social Determinants of Health Over the Life Course

Abstract

Abstract

Using national survey data conducted by People’s University of China in 2020, this study
examines links between life quality of the Chinese elderly and their activities of daily living
(ADL), physical and non-physical activities, sociodemographic characteristics, and
psychological wellbeing. It tests the hypothesis that the life quality of the Chinese elderly is
associated with their ADL such as cooking, eating, dressing, toileting, as well as physical and
non-physical activities such as walking, shopping, reading, and using phones, by controlling for
the effects of sociodemographic characteristics such as education, economic status, gender, age,
fertility, marital status, regions, and health status. Effects of psychological wellbeing such as
meaningful life, feelings of getting old, useless, and being lonely, are also controlled for.
Methods of Multiple Linear Regression and Pearson’s correlation are used for statistical analysis.
Findings show consistency in both theories and literature and support the underlying hypothesis.
Policy implications are also discussed.

Key Words:
Life Quality Life Satisfaction ADL/Activities of Daily Living Chinese Elderly
Sociodemographic Characteristics Physical and Non-physical Activities
Psychological Wellbeing

Author

• Jianjun Ji, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire