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Social Engagement and Elderly Health in China: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS)

Author

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  • Jin Liu

    (Institute of Finance and Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, NO.777, Guoding Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China
    Research Institute for Agriculture, Farmer and Rural Society in China, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, NO.777, Guoding Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Scott Rozelle

    (Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA)

  • Qing Xu

    (Institute of Finance and Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, NO.777, Guoding Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China
    Research Institute for Agriculture, Farmer and Rural Society in China, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, NO.777, Guoding Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China)

  • Ning Yu

    (Rural Education Action Program, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA)

  • Tianshu Zhou

    (Institute of Finance and Economics, Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, NO.777, Guoding Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai 200433, China)

Abstract

This study examines the impact of social engagement on elderly health in China. A two-stage residual inclusion (2SRI) regression approach was used to examine the causal relationship. Our dataset comprises 9253 people aged 60 or above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS) conducted in 2011 and 2013. Social engagement significantly improved the self-rated health of the elderly and reduced mental distress, but had no effect on chronic disease status. Compared with the rural areas, social engagement played a more important role in promoting the elderly health status in urban areas. Social engagement could affect the health status of the elderly through health behavior change and access to health resources. To improve the health of the elderly in China and promote healthy aging, the government should not only improve access to effective medical care but also encourage greater social engagement of the elderly.

Suggested Citation

  • Jin Liu & Scott Rozelle & Qing Xu & Ning Yu & Tianshu Zhou, 2019. "Social Engagement and Elderly Health in China: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:2:p:278-:d:199102
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    References listed on IDEAS

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