No. 71, Journal of Population Studies Published: 2025.12


Contents


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Research Articles

DOI : 10.6191/JPS.202512_(71).0001

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Taiwan-Chinese immigrants, filial piety values, transnational caregiving, Australia, national health policies
Abstract
While continuing to reside abroad, immigrants often choose to travel frequently between host and home countries in order to care for their parents at both ends, reflecting the cultural values held by Chinese families. This study draws on field data collected through interviews with Taiwan-Chinese immigrants in two Australian cities in 2015. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research compiles participants’ narratives to address two key issues: the values of filial piety and caregiving practices, and the effectiveness of care provided by siblings living at home and abroad. The findings elucidate who provides care for older parents in transnational families and the strategies adult children develop to fulfill their responsibilities. Although participants view this commitment as a way to set an example for their children, they recognize that expecting future generations to uphold the same practices may be unrealistic, given ongoing social and economic changes. The findings point to the importance of developing appropriate healthcare policies in both origin and destination countries, as well as supporting younger generations in adapting to evolving caregiving roles.
Keywords: transnational mobility, cultural capital, identity reconfiguration,gendered migration, early childhood educators

DOI : 10.6191/JPS.202512_(71).0002

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productive aging, active aging, life course, holistic approach, GBTM
Abstract
Given Taiwan’s aging population, promoting active aging and increasing older adults’ participation in productive activities have gained widespread attention. While most previous studies have focused on older adults’ engagement in a single type of productive activity or on the interrelationships between two types, participation in productive activities often spans multiple areas and is interconnected across various domains throughout the aging process. Adopting a holistic and life-course approach, this study investigates the long-term dynamics of older adults’ engagement across three domains: work, caregiving, and social activities. Using data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (1996-2019), this study employs group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to analyze, over a 16- year period, the participation trajectories of cohorts born between 1938- 1945 and 1946-1953 across six types of productive activities: employment, homemaking, childcare assistance, daily care provision, volunteering, and community participation. The analysis identifies four distinct trajectories of productive activity participation. Among these, Homemakers demonstrate a role continuity pattern, with activity arrangements centered on familyrelated responsibilities. Disengaged Agers align with disengagement theory, gradually withdrawing from various forms of social participation with age. Active Retirees and Productive Engagers correspond more closely to role substitution patterns. Although engagement in paid work declined with aging, the former transitions from the breadwinner role to diversified social participation, while the latter balances family caregiving with social service. The results indicate that although activity participation trajectories exhibit gender differences, both men and women can adopt active patterns of engagement. However, a lack of childcare resources, financial insecurity, and traditional value orientations may act as barriers. The study suggests that policies promoting older adults’ participation in productive activities should focus on strengthening economic and caregiving support and reshaping social values toward aging and productivity.
Keywords: productive aging, active aging, life course, holistic approach, GBTM

DOI : 10.6191/JPS.202512_(71).0003

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self-employment, earnings, self-rated health, Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD)
Abstract
This article examines the determinants of entry into self-employment and its effects on earnings and self-rated health. Prior research suggests that self-employment may generate both objective and subjective returns, although these vary across social contexts. Using data from the panel study of family dynamics (PSFD), including the RI2003, RI2009, and RI2016 cohorts with follow-up surveys through 2022, this study uses generalized estimating equations (GEE). The results show that determinants differ across cohorts, with gender and family background playing a particularly important role in the RI2003 cohort. In contrast, the effects of self-employment are consistent across cohorts: it is associated with lower earnings but better selfrated health. These findings suggest that self-employment provides nonpecuniary benefits beyond economic returns.
Keywords: self-employment, earnings, self-rated health, Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD)