PhD defence Z. (Zeyun) Feng

The phenomenon of population ageing is accelerating at an astonishing rate in China, more rapidly than in any other nation in history. Population ageing brings challenges associated with helping people age successfully over an extended lifespan. Thus far, limited studies have been conducted in China with respect to how various health behaviours are related and crucial elements of successful ageing, including sustaining cognitive and physical functions, mitigating depressive symptoms, and optimizing quality of life (QoL). This thesis aims to investigate longitudinal relationships of socio-economic conditions, social cohesion, and health behaviours with QoL and health outcomes among senior citizens in China with analyses of nationally representative datasets.

The PhD defences do not take place publicly in the usual way in the Senate Hall at campus Woudestein or in the Professor Andries Querido Room at the Erasmus MC. The candidates will defend their dissertation either in a small group or online.