Dr Qian Xiong
Lecturer in AgeingResearch Overview
I am a dedicated researcher on ageing, gerontology, and demography. As a quantitative researcher, I have expertise in demographic and statistical methods. My recent research spans various critical areas in health and ageing research, including dementia and caregiving, cultural practices of end-of-life care, preparation for death and bereavement, the socioeconomic and psychosocial determinants of ageing and well-being, and evaluating the effectiveness of music and Tai Chi interventions for improving cognitive function and well-being of dementia patients and carers. I have collaborated with international research teams and organizations, leading to cross-cultural studies that provide valuable insights into ageing research and caregiving practices worldwide. I have contributed to methodological advancements in the field, particularly in the use of quantitative research methods to analyse secondary data. My research aims to generate evidence that informs policy changes improving earlier life stages in response to population ageing and promoting the health and well-being of older people.
Research Interests
Health and Active Ageing:
- Social Determinants of Health and Wellbeing: Examining the impacts of earlier life experiences and community factors on health and wellbeing outcomes in later life, such as non-communicable diseases, cognitive frailty, social relationships, social isolation and loneliness.
- Active Ageing: Exploring gender and ethnicity disparities in active ageing outcomes in employment, social participation, caregiving, and healthy life expectancy, and identifying policy implications.
- Health Behaviours in Older Adults: Studying the health impacts of smoking, alcohol consumption, and other behaviours among older adults, considering life course mediators.
Dementia and Caregiving:
- Emotional and Reciprocal Changes in Dementia Caregiving: Investigating the evolving dynamics and emotional impacts of caregiving for dementia patients.
- Cultural Practices in End-of-Life Care and Bereavement: Exploring family preparations for death and the cultural nuances of bereavement, particularly in non-western culture contexts.
Impact of Technology:
- Quality of Life and Wellbeing: Investigating both benefits and barriers to internet use and other technologies and the effects of new technologies on the quality of life and wellbeing in older adults.
I am particularly interested in quantitative secondary data analysis, utilizing existing large and diverse datasets to conduct analyses of trends over time and comparisons of populations and countries.
I welcome PhD applications that fit for my research interests. I am committed to providing strong mentorship and support to my students. While my supervision expertise lies in quantitative research methods, I collaborate with colleagues who specialize in qualitative research methods to supervise students engaged in qualitative or mixed methods research projects. I have been supervising students working on projects related to the dynamics of friendship in older age, family preparations for death and bereavement, palliative care, informal caregiving for people with dementia, early life experiences and loneliness among older people, COVID-19 transmissions among hospital patients, and the potential of using acupuncture for managing menopause-related symptoms.
Current Teaching
I teach on blended learning PhD programmes.
My Role
I am a core member of the Centre for Ageing Research.
The Use of Internet and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults in China
Oral presentation
Frontiers in Developmental Psychology (Journal)
Editorial activity
Frontiers in Psychology (Journal)
Editorial activity
Ageing and Society (Journal)
Publication peer-review
British society of gerontology: 50th Conference
Participation in conference -Mixed Audience
Advances in Life Course Research (Journal)
Publication peer-review
