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Air Pollution and Mental Health of Older Adults in China

Author

Listed:
  • Yishu Zhou

    (Department of Economics, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, 65409 MO, USA)

  • Jingyi Liu

    (Trulaske College of Business, University of Missouri, Columbia, 65211 MO, USA)

Abstract

In this paper, we explore the association between air pollution and the mental health and depression of older adults in China. Along with the rapid economic development, concerns about air pollution and recognition of the importance of mental health have risen remarkably in China. Although no firm evidence of an association between air pollution and overall mental health has been found, the results show significant evidence of a positive relationship between air pollution and depression. Moreover, we observe the presence of concerns about environmental inequality, as people are more sensitive to contaminations caused by pollutants with high variation in densities across counties, such as PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SO 2 . Although O 3 has a high average absolute density, the impact on mental health is low due to the limited variations nationwide. Physical fitness, gender, relative income, marital status, and social contacts are also found to be related to mental health and depression of older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Yishu Zhou & Jingyi Liu, 2020. "Air Pollution and Mental Health of Older Adults in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-13, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:3:p:950-:d:313838
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    2. Batara Surya & Hamsina Hamsina & Ridwan Ridwan & Baharuddin Baharuddin & Firman Menne & Andi Tenri Fitriyah & Emil Salim Rasyidi, 2020. "The Complexity of Space Utilization and Environmental Pollution Control in the Main Corridor of Makassar City, South Sulawesi, Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-41, November.
    3. Wu, Xianhua & Deng, Huai & Huang, Yuxiang & Guo, Ji, 2022. "Air pollution, migration costs, and urban residents’ welfare: A spatial general equilibrium analysis from China," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 396-409.

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