Abstract
Using time diary data collected in rural China (2015, N = 1,212), we examine the association between time use patterns and mental health of older men and women. We specifically focus on the dimensions of work and family activities, and social and solitary leisure time. We find that older women spend more time on social leisure (interaction with others in the community) and family activities (household chores and caregiving), while less time on paid work activities and solitary leisure (entertainment and exercise) than older men. Results from analyses show that social leisure time promotes psychological well-being of older men, especially for those living alone, but solitary leisure is harmful for their mental health. For older women, more time spent on leisure activities both inside and outside the house is associated with better psychological outcomes. The gendered time use patterns and their different mental health implications call for gender-specific policy intervention.