More Participation, Better Well-Being? Longitudinal Evidence on Social Participation for Chinese Older Women Living in the Rural Area.

Abstract

This study examines the association between social participation and well-being among older rural women in China. Using CHARLS data from 2011-2020, with 8,763 participants, we constructed a comprehensive well-being index using principal component analysis and employed two-way fixed effects models. Social participation improved well-being by 0.083 units, enhancing self-reported health, mental health, life satisfaction, and ADL/IADL independence. Service and emotional support mediated these effects. Stronger associations were observed among lower-aged older adults (<80 years), those with agricultural income, and those without caregiving responsibilities for grandchildren. This study highlights social participation's role in promoting healthy aging.