The relationship and heterogeneity of family participation and social participation among older adults: from an intersectionality perspective

Participation in late life has been studied as a component of active aging. To effectively promote late-life participation, the study explored the relationship and heterogeneity between two forms of participation among older adults-familial participation and societal participation. This paper utilizes data from the 2020 China Longitudinal Aging Society Survey (CLASS) to examine the relationship between familial participation and societal participation among older Chinese adults. Linear regression results indicate that familial participation can facilitate societal participation among older adults. The MAIHDA model results suggest variations in familial and societal participation among older adults in different social positions. Specifically, older women with higher socioeconomic status and better health have higher levels of familial and societal participation, whereas older men with lower socioeconomic status and health have the lowest levels of participation. Socioeconomic status is the most significant factor contributing to participation disparities among different groups, and older adults with disadvantaged health status experience a compounding effect of multiple disadvantages. The research findings hold significant implications for formulating policies aimed at enhancing the participation of marginalized older adults, ultimately contributing to the realization of active aging.