Cumulative effects of unemployment on health in midlife: the buffering effect of social participation

(1) This study demonstrates the cumulative and gendered impact of unemployment on the health of middle-aged and older adults in China. (2) Informal social participation provides a meaningful buffer against the adverse health consequences of unemployment, particularly for men, whereas formal social activities may not offer such protection and may even have negative effects in certain scenarios. (3) These findings underscore the importance of strengthening informal social support networks to mitigate health risks associated with job loss among older populations.