Determinants of Social Activities among Older People in China: An Analysis of Community Factors

Pei-Chun Ko, University of Cologne

Objectives: The study investigates the extent of community factors affecting engagement in social activities (non-market productive activities and leisure activities) by older people in China. Conceptual framework: In line with the current trend of Chinese “community-building” programs and opportunity structure arguments, the impacts of community factors on the likelihood of social activities are examined. Methods and data: The first wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) is used. The analytic sample is composed of respondents above 60 years old (n= 7,118) and 447 rural and urban communities in total. Multilevel models for dichotomous data are employed. Results: Years of rural community office increase the likelihood of non-market productive activities while accessible bus lines in urban communities increase the likelihood of the same activities. On the other hand, the variety of community facilities decides the likelihood of leisure activities both in rural and urban communities.