Balancing roles and well-being in later life: insights from Chinese older women’s life course

Research on productive aging and health has gained increasing attention, yet older women remain understudied—despite often balancing both family responsibilities and economic roles. This issue is particularly salient in China, where women retire unusually early. This research examines the impact of productive aging on the health of Chinese older women, considering opposing hypotheses from the role enhancement/accumulation and role strain perspectives. Using longitudinal data from the China Family Panel Studies, this study uses hybrid models to examine how different types and intensities of productive activities influence functional capacities and self-rated health for women aged 55–84. Karlson–Holm–Breen (KHB) mediation analysis further examines the roles of instrumental and psychological pathways. Findings support the role enhancement/accumulation perspective, showing that multiple and intense productive roles improve health. Women receiving care from children and those with an urban hukou benefit more from productive engagement. Mediation analysis reveals that depressive symptoms and financial support from children partially mediate these effects. The findings provide nuanced insight into productive aging and health for women in a non-western developing country, where old-age assistance is limited. While Chinese older women demonstrate resilience in balancing multiple roles, enhanced instrumental and emotional support from family may further amplify the health benefits of productive aging.