THE JOINT EFFECTS OF WORK AND INFORMAL CAREGIVING ON MENTAL WELL-BEING AMONG CHINESE MIDDLE- TO OLDER-AGED ADULTS
2024
The Effects of Work and Caregiving on Older Adults' Well-Being
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Ye Jing
Primary Institution: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
Hypothesis
How do work and informal caregiving together affect the mental well-being of older Chinese adults?
Conclusion
Older adults who work and provide informal care can experience higher life satisfaction, but female caregivers may face increased depressive symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Low-intensity worker-caregivers report higher life satisfaction compared to those who do not work or provide care.
- Only female worker-caregivers experience higher depressive symptoms, especially with long hours of work and caregiving.
Takeaway
This study looks at how working and taking care of others affects older people. It found that some older workers feel happier, but women who care for others while working a lot can feel sadder.
Methodology
The study used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011-2018) and applied a random-effects model.
Participant Demographics
Chinese older adults aged 60 and above.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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