Human, social and cultural predictors of productive activities in later life

an article by Seoyoun Kim (Texas State University, San Marcos, USA) published in Ageing and Society Volume 40 Issue 2 (February 2020)

Abstract

While considerable scholarly attention has been given to factors influencing productive activity, less is known about how multiple forms of resources predict the maintenance or initiation of such activity over time.

Using two-wave panel data of older adults from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), the study investigated the relationship between measures of capital and changes in multiple types of productive activity.

Findings showed that all three types of capital were associated with volunteering in cross-sectional analyses, but only education, neighbourhood socialisation and religious service attendance remain significant predictors of continued volunteerism.

Human capital strongly influenced employment both cross-sectionally and over time.

Aspects of social capital – marital status and network size – were linked to participation and initiation of care-giving activities.

The findings demonstrate that different patterns emerge in cross-sectional and two-wave panel data of multiple productive activities, adjusting for baseline activity level and selective attrition. The project also suggests factors that promote or hinder continued engagement in productive activity.

Labels:
productive_ageing, successful_ageing, social_engagement, capital,

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