Productive Engagement and Life Satisfaction in Later Life: Evidence from a Multilevel Study of Older Adults in Shanghai

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how productive engagement, both as a composite measure and through specific forms, relates to life satisfaction among older adults in Shanghai, China. Using data from a probability proportionate to size survey of 938 older adults across 10 administrative districts, we applied multilevel linear models to assess both individual-level associations and the moderating role of district-level gross domestic product per capita.

Findings

The results show that higher overall productive engagement is positively associated with life satisfaction. Volunteering, civic participation, and group learning are positively related to life satisfaction, whereas paid work shows no significant association. Moreover, engagement has stronger benefits in economically disadvantaged districts, where it plays a more important role in supporting well-being.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the importance of broadening the concept of productive engagement to include socially oriented activities and underscore the need for locally responsive, community-based opportunities that support older adults’ well-being, particularly in less affluent urban contexts.