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Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2022

Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research

Time trend analysis of leisure-time activity participation among young-old adults in China 2002–2018

Authors: Joelle H. Fong, Qiushi Feng, Wei Zhang, Huashuai Chen

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2022

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Abstract

Background

To examine the time trends of leisure activity engagement among young-old adults aged 65–74 in China over a 16-year period.

Methods

Data for a nationally representative sample of young-old adults was sourced from the 2002–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (N = 9504). Generalized estimating equations regressions were implemented to assess temporal trends for 10 different leisure-time activities. We also evaluated time trends for solitary versus social leisure-time activities.

Results

Young-old adults were less likely to engage in any form of social activities (e.g. participate in social events) over time, controlling for other confounders such as age, sex, education, income, and health characteristics. Trends in outdoor activities participation and tourism also declined over 2002-2014, but reversed in 2018. In contrast, solitary leisure activities (e.g. watching TV) became more popular. There was a significant spike in the likelihood of keeping pets from 2011 onwards, especially among urbanites.

Conclusions

The future elderly in China have tended towards home-bound and solitary leisure activities over time, which warrants policy attention and public health interventions to reverse such trends.
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Metadata
Title
Time trend analysis of leisure-time activity participation among young-old adults in China 2002–2018
Authors
Joelle H. Fong
Qiushi Feng
Wei Zhang
Huashuai Chen
Publication date
01-12-2022
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2022
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12838-1

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