A recent study conducted by researchers at Huazhong University of Science and Technology has revealed significant disparities in elderly labor participation in China, particularly in terms of gender and urban-rural divides. The study, which analyzed data from a nationwide survey of over 24,000 individuals aged 50 and above, was published in the journal Nature Medicine on Aug. 1.
According to the findings of the study, men and individuals living in rural areas are more likely to continue working despite suffering from chronic health conditions. This highlights the need for China to address gender and regional inequities in the labor force, especially as the country grapples with a rapidly aging population.
The Chinese government recently announced plans to gradually increase the statutory retirement age in an effort to alleviate financial strain on pension funds. Currently, the retirement age is set at 60 for men and 55 or 50 for women, depending on their profession. However, the study suggests that reforms should take into account the disparities in elderly workforce participation.
The research indicates that the average time spent working in good health from age 50 is 6.87 years in China. While the average age at which individuals start experiencing health issues is around 60 across demographic groups, the age at which people stop working varies significantly based on social background.
Men generally have a longer healthy working life expectancy compared to women, with men working for an average of 8 years in good health, whereas women work for around 6 years. Additionally, men tend to work longer even when facing health challenges, spending an average of 9.48 years working while in poor health.
The study also highlights the early exit of female civil servants and enterprise employees from the workforce, often due to lower retirement ages, limited job opportunities, or the need to care for family members. On the other hand, rural residents tend to work longer than urban dwellers, even with persistent health issues, as they receive lower pensions and rely on continued employment for financial support.
Geographical disparities in elderly labor participation were also noted, with individuals in South China having a healthy working life expectancy of 9 years on average, compared to just 5.6 years for those in Northwest China. This difference is attributed to varying job opportunities and health support across regions.
The study emphasizes the importance of supplementing pension reforms with measures to protect vulnerable populations, such as aging agricultural workers. Strengthening the pension system and providing targeted health promotion programs are essential for promoting social equity and ensuring financial sustainability in China’s social security system.