Working longer, working healthier: how can china age more actively?

Liu, Xin (2018). Working longer, working healthier: how can china age more actively? University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This research aims at exploring physical activity and employment practice in urban China, in the context of population ageing. The overall aim of the research is to inform policy and practice focused on promoting healthy employment, longer working lives and active ageing. These aims are interrelated, for instance, a more active workforce will potentially mean a more healthy workforce which should help extend working lives in China.

To achieve the study aims, the research explores the factors that influence participation in physical activity, both enablers and barriers. A questionnaire and interviews were used in fieldwork in Wuhan and Shanghai. Data from 335 self-completion questionnaires and 41 interviews were collected from respondents working in 13 organisations in these two cities. The sample included people working in both public and private organisations, health related and non-health related organisations, enabling some comparison through stratification across these categories, as well as by location.

The research findings highlighted how trade-offs are made between time spent in physical activity at work and time in physical activity after work (in the home and in leisure time). For example, people who were active at work or in the home were often less active in their leisure time. This means that discounting activity in the former categories and concentrating solely on leisure time activities could potentially mistakenly categorise people as inactive or not very active.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):