Social participation and health in middle-aged and older empty nesters: A study on gender differences

The growing population of middle-aged and older empty nesters is characterized by poorer health, and social participation (SP) has been shown to improve this situation. However, few studies have investigated specific performance and gender differences between SP and health. The present study aims to address these issues. A total of 1207 middle-aged and older empty nesters over 45 years old were selected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, 2011–2018). Random-effects analyses were used to explore the association between changes in SP (diversity, frequency, type) and changes in health status. Health status include physical health, mental health, self-reported health (SRH). Female middle-aged and olderly empty nesters have significantly poorer health and participate in SP more frequently. The higher the diversity of SP, the better the health of middle-aged and olderly empty nesters, while higher frequency is beneficial to SRH. Female's participation in sports and Internet had better mental health and SRH, and mahjong helped female's mental health. Clubs are helpful for male's SRH. This study reveals the specifics of the association between SP and health status of middle-aged and older empty nesters. Therefore, all aspects of SP and gender differences should be taken into account when predicting and improving the health status. Help the government to better formulate policies to better cope with the increasing empty nest phenomenon and build a harmonious and stable society. •The frequency and type of social participation affects the health of empty nesters.•Types of social activity affect mental and self-rated health, especially in women.•A random effects logistic regression model was used for the longitudinal study.