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.

Keywords: Chronic disease; Exercise; Healthy aging; Older Chinese adults; Physical activity epidemiology; Urban health.

Fig. 1

China's population from 1980 to 2050 (estimated).

Fig. 2

Life expectancy at birth in China from 1980 to 2050 (estimated).

Fig. 3

Fertility rate in China from 1980 to 2015 (estimated), births per woman.

Fig. 4

Mortality rate in China from 1980 to 2013 (estimated).

Fig. 5

Mortality from communicable diseases, noncommunicable (chronic) diseases, and injuries in 2012 (estimated)

Fig. 6

Percentage of physical activity (PA) participation, regular exercise (RE), and exercise intensity among older Chinese adults (60 years and over) in 2007 and 2014.