Older adults a resource, not a burden

In China, many older adults are already engaged in productive activity, including acting as a caregiver, lifelong learning, volunteer work as well as traditional employment. However, older adults in China and elsewhere often face significant barriers and disincentives to pursuing productive roles. Discrimination against older adults and policies that usher them out of the workforce prevent society from utilizing the human capital of their aging population.

Furthermore, in China especially, there are cultural stigmas attached to older people working. “Chinese people may be reluctant to retire at a later age for fear that it would reflect poorly on their families,” according to Li Zou, international director of the Brown School’s Center for Social Development. “Traditionally, families are expected to take care of their elders after retirement.” In China however, the one-child policy has resulted in four grandparents and two parents relying on only one child for support.

But regardless of the geographic location, keeping older adults from productive roles impacts their health and well-being. Studies have shown correlations between physical and mental health, life satisfaction and longevity and engagement in employment and/or volunteer activities.