Physical activity and health in the presence of China's economic growth: Meeting the public health challenges of the aging population

Abstract

Three decades of rapid economic development in China have not only benefited millions of Chinese by improving their living standards but have also dramatically increased the number of people who are part of the country's aging population. However, economic growth has not been accompanied by sufficient attention given to important public health issues, including an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases and a decline in physical activity (PA) that comes with an aging population. The rapid growth in China's older population will soon exert an impact on the nation's economy, population health status, and health behaviors, and will increase stress on its healthcare system. This review article provides a broad perspective on the impact of rapid economic development, industrialization, and urbanization on health-related behaviors, with a specific focus on PA among older adults. Specifically, the article offers an overview of the demographic context, significant public health challenges, evidence on PA and exercise interventions, and knowledge gaps and future directions for research.

Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China

“…Importantly, besides cancer, we also find a widening effect of GGLE by other NCDs like cardiovascular and endocrine diseases (diabetes). Overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are the main risk factors for cardiovascular and endocrine diseases (diabetes), which are more prevalent in male than in female [38][39][40][41] . Several exemplary policy intervention exists to prevent NCDs, such as promoting preventing health care through lifestyle behavioral changes and incorporate prevention into existing health care policy 42 .…”

“…Several exemplary policy intervention exists to prevent NCDs, such as promoting preventing health care through lifestyle behavioral changes and incorporate prevention into existing health care policy 42 . Another potential strategy is workplace health promotion to promote physical activity 40 . Further, we find age-specific contribution to GGLE concentrate in a narrower age range as the decline of gains in LE, which is similar with findings in other high-LE countries 43 44 .…”

Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China

“…Importantly, besides cancer, we also find a widening effect of GGLE by other NCDs like cardiovascular and endocrine diseases (diabetes). Overweight or obesity, sedentary lifestyle, hypertension and hyperlipidemia are the main risk factors for cardiovascular and endocrine diseases (diabetes), which are more prevalent in male than in female [40][41][42][43] . Several exemplary policy intervention exists to prevent NCDs, such as promoting preventing health care through lifestyle behavioral changes and incorporate prevention into existing health care policy 44 .…”

“…Another potential strategy is workplace health promotion to promote physical activity 42 . Further, we find agespecific contribution to GGLE concentrate in a narrower age range as the decline of gains in LE, which is similar with findings in other high-LE countries 45 46 .…”

Non-communicable diseases are key to further narrow gender gap in life expectancy in Shanghai, China

“…Several exemplary policy intervention exists to prevent NCDs, such as promoting preventing health care through lifestyle behavioral changes and incorporate prevention into existing health care policy 44 . Another potential strategy is workplace health promotion to promote physical activity 42 . Further, we find age-specific contribution to GGLE concentrate in a narrower age range as the decline of gains in LE, which is similar with findings in other high-LE countries 45 46 .…”