After age 75, seniors' mental health declines - especially empty-nesters

The mental health of China's senior citizens - particularly empty-nesters and those above age 75 - is not good and should get more attention, according to a report by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Psychology.

The report, released in Beijing on Friday, found that senior citizens' mental health index drops dramatically after they turn 75.

The index, a general assessment of a person's mental status, typically rises as adults grow older, but 75 is a turning point at which things start to change, the report said.

Chen Zhiyan, a professor at the institute and one of the compilers of the report, said the situation mainly results from the loss of cognitive functions - such as attention and memory - in those later years.

"This reminds governments, families and society of the need to pay more attention to the mental situation of the group and take better care of them," she said.

The report also said that empty-nesters, referring to retired people without children or whose children live elsewhere, may face mental health risks.

"Empty-nesters who have a spouse, good income and educational background are better off psychologically than their peers who do not," the report said.

Figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics last month showed there were nearly 250 million people aged 60 and above in China at the end of last year, accounting for 18 percent of the country's population. Surveys indicate that more than half are empty-nesters.

Li Yi, a retired nurse in Cangzhou, Hebei province, said she believed developing a hobby - whether it's keeping pets or square dancing - can help empty-nesters stay in good health, both physically and mentally.

With her only daughter working and living in Shanghai, the 59-year-old said she spends lots of time and money on shopping and makeup, which she was keen on when she was younger but had little time to do.

"Now I'm busy making myself beautiful and happy every day," she said. "I have no time to miss my daughter."