Gender differences in contributory behaviors among the oldest-old Chinese in Shanghai

This study examined gender differences in factors related to contributory behavior among the oldest-old aged 80+ in Shanghai, China. The study population included a randomly selected sample of 349 community dwelling respondents who lived in five districts. Male and female respondents contributed equally to others in informal networks, but in different ways. Objective health status and social ties are related to contributory behavior for both males and females. However, financial status and vision impairment had a different impact on males and females. Healthy aging and strong social networks are two key components for contributory behaviors. © Springer Science + Business Media, LLC 2008.