Determinants of work among older adults in urban China

Objective: We examined the role of personal, family and institutional factors on the work status of older adults in urban China. Method: The analysis was based on data from a large population survey (N = 7381) of community‐dwelling urban Chinese aged 60 years and older. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model work status. Results: Demographic variables such as gender, ethnicity, age and self‐perceived health status were identified as important determinants of work status. Having material assets, savings, a public pension and health insurance were all negatively correlated with remaining in the workforce, whereas earning a high income was positively correlated. Conclusions: Our findings have implications regarding the impact of health policy and pension reform on employment retention. While economic growth may create an incentive for some to continue working, the lack of widespread public and private old‐age support may force others to remain in the workforce out of economic necessity.