ARI Working Paper Series

In this study, we examine the implications of gendered pattern of work on quality of life among older adults aged 50 and above in China and India. We use a causal mediation analysis approach to data from the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (2007/10). Our results show that both paid and unpaid work are least gendered in urban China and most in rural India with an exceptionally heavy double burden on rural Chinese women. Compared to men, women have lower quality of life due to less involvement in paid work, more so in India than in urban China. In rural China, greater involvement in unpaid work reduces women’s quality of life. The results highlight the importance of better public provision and greater gender equity in improving quality of life among women in later life.