With frequent severe haze and smog episodes in Chinese cities, an increasing number of studies have focused on estimating the impact of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on public health. However, the ...current use of national and provincial demographic data might mask regional differences and lead to inaccurate estimations of pollution-related health impacts across cities. We applied the Global Burden of Disease methodology to develop a dataset of premature deaths attributed to ambient PM2.5 in 129 Chinese cities in 2006, 2010 and 2015, based on the information of baseline mortality rates and population densities at the city level. Our results suggested that ambient PM2.5 pollution led to 631,230 (95% confidence interval: 281,460–873,800) premature deaths in those cities in 2015, which was similar to that in 2010, but 42.8% higher than that in 2006. The reduction of premature deaths was not as obvious as the improvement in air quality in recent years, primarily owing to the aging Chinese population. For large and medium/small cities, the effects of PM2.5 abatement on alleviating public health burdens were lower than those for megalopolises and metropolises; however, such large and medium/small cities are at risk of increasing future PM2.5 pollution levels due to rapid development. Significant differences in PM2.5-induced premature deaths indicated the need for specific policies to mitigate the health burden of air pollution in different types of Chinese cities.
•Health burdens of PM2.5 in 129 Chinese cities during 2006-2015 were calculated.•Ageing population hinders improvement of health benefit from pollution control.•Characteristics of health burden for different types of cities were analyzed.•Regional characteristics should be considered when developing policies.
Although a number researchers have acknowledged that the aging population inhibits firm digital transformation, others find it promoting digital transformation in some firms. As the relevant ...literature to clarify such paradox is still scare, this paper wants to fill the gap regarding the labor cost theory, the capital-skill complementarity hypothesis, and the human capital externality theory. Based on the empirical tests of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2022, this study detected a U-shaped relationship between the aging population and digital transformation. In terms of the institutional environment, higher marketization strengthens the U-shaped relationship by making the slopes on either side of it steeper. However, higher minimum wage levels weaken the U-shaped relationship. In terms of firm strategy, firms with stronger marketing capabilities strengthened the U-shaped relationship. However, firms with higher customer concentration weakened the U-shaped relationship. Overall, we enriched scholarly understanding of the impact of the aging population on digital transformation and demonstrated the dual potential impact of aging populations. Instead of assuming they are detrimental to the economy and society, positive contributions in the form of innovation and progress for companies can be detected.Although a number researchers have acknowledged that the aging population inhibits firm digital transformation, others find it promoting digital transformation in some firms. As the relevant literature to clarify such paradox is still scare, this paper wants to fill the gap regarding the labor cost theory, the capital-skill complementarity hypothesis, and the human capital externality theory. Based on the empirical tests of Chinese A-share listed companies from 2001 to 2022, this study detected a U-shaped relationship between the aging population and digital transformation. In terms of the institutional environment, higher marketization strengthens the U-shaped relationship by making the slopes on either side of it steeper. However, higher minimum wage levels weaken the U-shaped relationship. In terms of firm strategy, firms with stronger marketing capabilities strengthened the U-shaped relationship. However, firms with higher customer concentration weakened the U-shaped relationship. Overall, we enriched scholarly understanding of the impact of the aging population on digital transformation and demonstrated the dual potential impact of aging populations. Instead of assuming they are detrimental to the economy and society, positive contributions in the form of innovation and progress for companies can be detected.
Objective: To determine the factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) among aging population during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) crisis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted ...at Central, Northern, Northeastern, and Southern regions of Thailand from June to November 2021. Elderly persons aged 60 and above with Thai nationality included in the study. The QoL was measured with the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF-THAI) instrument which consisted of 26 items. QoL scores ranged from 26 to 130 points, classified as poor (26-60), moderate (61-95), and good (96-130). Results: Of total 400 participants, the mean age was 68.32 ±6.93 years. Not good QoL was observed in 3 (0.8%) participants, moderate QoL was observed in 213 (53.2%) participants, and good QoL was observed in 184 (46.0%) participants. A significant association of QoL found with education level (p-value 0.002), alcohol drinking (p-value 0.003), exercise (p-value <0.001), comorbidities (p-value <0.001), and hearing/knowing about COVID-19 (p-value 0.015). The chances of good QoL was 2 times significantly higher in participants who did exercise as compared to participants who did not perform exercise (cOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.07, p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that exercise, higher education, avoiding alcohol, and good health significantly improve the QoL among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, regular exercise notably doubles the likelihood of better QoL.
Objective: To determine the factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) among aging population during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) crisis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted ...at Central, Northern, Northeastern, and Southern regions of Thailand from June to November 2021. Elderly persons aged 60 and above with Thai nationality included in the study. The QoL was measured with the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF-THAI) instrument which consisted of 26 items. QoL scores ranged from 26 to 130 points, classified as poor (26-60), moderate (61-95), and good (96-130). Results: Of total 400 participants, the mean age was 68.32 ±6.93 years. Not good QoL was observed in 3 (0.8%) participants, moderate QoL was observed in 213 (53.2%) participants, and good QoL was observed in 184 (46.0%) participants. A significant association of QoL found with education level (p-value 0.002), alcohol drinking (p-value 0.003), exercise (p-value <0.001), comorbidities (p-value <0.001), and hearing/knowing about COVID-19 (p-value 0.015). The chances of good QoL was 2 times significantly higher in participants who did exercise as compared to participants who did not perform exercise (cOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.07, p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that exercise, higher education, avoiding alcohol, and good health significantly improve the QoL among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, regular exercise notably doubles the likelihood of better QoL.
Objective: To determine the factors affecting the quality of life (QoL) among aging population during the Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) crisis. Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted ...at Central, Northern, Northeastern, and Southern regions of Thailand from June to November 2021. Elderly persons aged 60 and above with Thai nationality included in the study. The QoL was measured with the WHO Quality of Life (WHOQoL-BREF-THAI) instrument which consisted of 26 items. QoL scores ranged from 26 to 130 points, classified as poor (26-60), moderate (61-95), and good (96-130). Results: Of total 400 participants, the mean age was 68.32 ±6.93 years. Not good QoL was observed in 3 (0.8%) participants, moderate QoL was observed in 213 (53.2%) participants, and good QoL was observed in 184 (46.0%) participants. A significant association of QoL found with education level (p-value 0.002), alcohol drinking (p-value 0.003), exercise (p-value <0.001), comorbidities (p-value <0.001), and hearing/knowing about COVID-19 (p-value 0.015). The chances of good QoL was 2 times significantly higher in participants who did exercise as compared to participants who did not perform exercise (cOR 2.03, 95% CI 1.35 to 3.07, p-value <0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that exercise, higher education, avoiding alcohol, and good health significantly improve the QoL among the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, regular exercise notably doubles the likelihood of better QoL.
Depression is a common issue among elderly people in both developing and developed countries. Existing research indicates that cooking with solid fuels has a negative impact on the mental health of ...middle-aged and elderly people (aged 45 and older). However, the potential role of the residential environment in this process is not yet clear. Clarifying this issue may help identify effective interventions to improve public health for elderly people. This study aimed to explore the association between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms, as well as the potential mediating role of the residential environment in this relationship.
This study utilized cross-sectional data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) for 2020, involving approximately 19,000 respondents aged 45 years and older. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to explore the association between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms. Additionally, a range of potential covariates were adjusted, and the Sobel test was applied to assess the potential mediating effect of the residential environment on this relationship.
According to the fully adjusted model, cooking with solid fuels was significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults (β = 0.315, P < 0.001), and this finding was confirmed through robustness tests using different propensity score matching methods. Heterogeneity analysis revealed that this association was particularly significant among men (β = 0.318, P < 0.001), those aged 60–74 (β = 0.347, P < 0.001), and individuals with a middle school education (β = 0.353, P < 0.001). Mediation effect analysis revealed that indoor cleanliness (β = 0.0090, P < 0.001), indoor broadband coverage (β = 0.0077, P < 0.001), and the installation of indoor air purifiers (β = 0.0010, P < 0.1) mediated the relationships between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms.
Given the growing attention given to improving indoor environments and enhancing mental health, the findings of this paper highlight that improving indoor cleanliness, increasing broadband coverage indoors, and installing air purifiers can effectively intervene in and prevent depressive symptoms caused by cooking with solid fuels.
•Cooking with solid fuels was significantly associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults, and this finding was confirmed through robustness tests using different propensity score matching methods.•Heterogeneity analysis revealed that this association was particularly significant among men, those aged 60 to 74, and individuals with a middle school education.•Mediation effect analysis revealed that indoor cleanliness, indoor broadband coverage, and the installation of indoor air purifiers mediated the relationships between cooking with solid fuels and depressive symptoms.
Sleep is established as an essential physiological need that impacts physical, emotional, and cognitive functions profoundly. Physiologically, inadequate sleep weakens immune function, heightening ...susceptibility to infections and chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Hormonal disruptions due to sleep loss further exacerbate metabolic dysregulation, contributing to weight gain and other health complications. Emotionally, sleep deprivation leads to mood disturbances, including increased irritability, heightened stress responses, and a greater likelihood of mood disorders like depression and anxiety. These effects are compounded by cognitive impairments such as reduced alertness, impaired memory consolidation, and compromised decision-making abilities, akin to the impairments caused by alcohol consumption. Motor skills and coordination also suffer, elevating the risk of accidents, particularly in high-stress environments. For older adults, sleep quality is closely linked to cognitive function and overall longevity. Optimal sleep patterns are associated with slower brain aging and improved health outcomes. However, sleep disorders exacerbate existing conditions such as epilepsy and asthma, necessitating interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as melatonin to mitigate their impact. Education emerges as a crucial tool in promoting healthier sleep habits across all age groups. Addressing misconceptions about sleep and integrating sleep health into public health policies are essential steps toward improving overall well-being. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play significant roles in regulating sleep patterns, further emphasizing the interconnectedness of sleep with broader health outcomes. In summary, the articles underscore the intricate mechanisms through which sleep influences physiological functions and advocate for comprehensive approaches to enhance sleep hygiene and mitigate the adverse effects of sleep deprivation on human health.
•Sleep is crucial for physical, emotional, and cognitive health, profoundly affecting overall well-being.•Poor sleep weakens immunity, raising the risk of infections and chronic conditions like dementia, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.•Sleep deprivation is the primary cause brain atrophy in aged individuals.•Education emerges as a crucial tool in promoting healthier sleep habits across all age groups.•Lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity play significant roles in regulating sleep patterns.
Total factor productivity (TFP) is essential for disentangling the determinants of economic growth, productivity, and the standard of living. Understanding the variations in TFP, however, is greatly ...challenging because of the many assumptions that comprise the theoretical growth framework. In this paper, we aim to explore the determinants of TFP growth for countries at different stages of information and communication technology (ICT) development. To address the endogenous nature of the associated growth variables, we implement a three-stage-least (3SLS) square panel regression to improve the efficiency and asymptomatic accuracy of the estimators. We find that transmission channels, such as financial openness and trade globalization, have contributed substantially to growth in both advanced and developing countries. However, we also discover that greater financial openness can undermine a country’s TFP growth if the financial system is not sufficiently developed. When time horizons are decomposed into pre-ICT development and post-ICT development periods, a significant crowding-out effect is observed between ICT investment and financial openness in the pre-period, implying that the allocation of resources is critical for countries in the developing stage. Trade and finance policies that are adopted by advanced and developed countries might not be ideal for underdeveloped countries. Discretion in choosing adequate policies regarding financial integration and trade liberalization is advised for these emerging countries.
Different from the urbanization and aging population challenges experienced by developed countries, developing countries face huge impacts of these challenges on food security. Previous studies on ...the effects of urbanization and an aging population in developing countries on food security were mostly qualitative discussions and focused on individual aspects of grain production or consumption. In this paper, we combine rural household survey data with statistical data to comprehensively assess and reveal the impact of these two factors on food security in developing countries. Their impact on food security has both negative and positive aspects. Taking Northwest China as an example, the grain yield of every family will increase by 26.0 and −9.4 kg (P < 0.05) for every 1% increase of these two factors. For every 1% increase in urban and elderly population, regional grain consumption will increase by 0.07% and −0.09%, respectively. The negative impact of urbanization on the agricultural labor force and farmers’ enthusiasm for growing grain is gradually increasing. Along with urbanization, food consumption of urban and elderly populations increased by 1.3 and 0.5 times, respectively, from 2000 to 2016. Coupled with the preference of urban residents for animal-based food products (the average annual consumption growth rate is 2.7%), the per capita food demand continues to increase, which brings about food security challenges. However, the improvement of these two factors promotes the development of agricultural mechanization and water-saving technology. This not only addresses the negative impact of labor shortage in grain production, but also reduces the grain water footprint and promotes its sustainable development. Based on the above research results, this paper proposes to use the economic benefits of urbanization to feedback to rural areas: strengthen technical guidance, train farmers and invest in machinery and equipment to promote the development of smart agriculture, and increase and refine agricultural subsidy policies to ensure the sustainable development of food production. The study can serve as a reference for other developing countries and ultimately contribute to ensuring global food security.
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•Using survey data to quantify the impact of urbanization and aging on food security.•Reveal negative and positive impacts of urbanization and aging on food security.•Urbanization and aging have promoted the development of agricultural mechanization.
Background:With aging population, the prevalence and incidence of heart failure (HF) have been increasing worldwide. However, the characteristics and outcomes of patients with HF in an era of aging ...are not well established in Japan.Methods and Results:The Japanese Registry Of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (JROADHF), a retrospective, multicenter, nationwide registry, was designed to study the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized with HF throughout Japan in 2013. One hundred and twenty-eight hospitals were selected by cluster random sampling and 13,238 hospitalized patients with HF were identified by medical record review. Demographics, medical history, severity, treatment, and in-hospital and long-term outcome data were collected from the Diagnostic Procedure Combination and medical charts. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression or Cox regression analysis. The mean age of registered patients was 78.0±12.5 years and 52.8% were male. Elderly patients (age >75 years) accounted for 68.9%, and HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) accounted for 45.1%. Median length of hospital stay was 18 days and in-hospital mortality was 7.7%. The median follow-up period was 4.3 years, and the incidence rates for cardiovascular death and rehospitalization for HF were 7.1 and 21.1 per 100 person-years, respectively.Conclusions:A contemporary nationwide registry demonstrated that hospitalized HF patients were very elderly, HFpEF was common, and their prognosis was still poor in Japan.
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