Time trend analysis of leisure-time activity participation among young-old adults in China 2002–2018

BACKGROUND: To examine the time trends of leisure activity engagement among young-old adults aged 65–74 in China over a 16-year period. METHODS: Data for a nationally representative sample of young-old adults was sourced from the 2002–2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (N = 9504). Generalized estimating equations regressions were implemented to assess temporal trends for 10 different leisure-time activities. We also evaluated time trends for solitary versus social leisure-time activities. RESULTS: Young-old adults were less likely to engage in any form of social activities (e.g. participate in social events) over time, controlling for other confounders such as age, sex, education, income, and health characteristics. Trends in outdoor activities participation and tourism also declined over 2002-2014, but reversed in 2018. In contrast, solitary leisure activities (e.g. watching TV) became more popular. There was a significant spike in the likelihood of keeping pets from 2011 onwards, especially among urbanites. CONCLUSIONS: The future elderly in China have tended towards home-bound and solitary leisure activities over time, which warrants policy attention and public health interventions to reverse such trends. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-12838-1.