Rapid technological advancements and urbanization are transforming modern society. While these changes bring benefits, vulnerable populations, such as the aging workforce, may struggle to adapt. This is particularly relevant in rapidly aging countries like China. The study uses Conversation Analysis (CA) to examine how the aging process influences the Chinese labor market, focusing on communication patterns, behaviors, and attitudes within a socio-economic context. The increasing rate of population aging in China, exceeding that of many developed nations, coupled with a lower level of social security compared to developed countries, creates unique challenges. Internal migration patterns, predominantly from rural to urban areas, further compound the issue, with young and working-age populations driving this shift. Existing research highlights the challenges of a shrinking workforce, and the digitalization policy exacerbates this problem by creating disparities in the labor market due to varying levels of computer literacy among the older generation. Conversation Analysis, as a method of investigating social relations through everyday communication, offers a valuable approach to studying these age-related shifts in the Chinese labor market and the communicative strategies employed by older workers.

Existing research explores age-related changes in cognitive functions, decision-making, social interaction, and personal needs. While some studies show that cognitive abilities remain relatively consistent between middle-aged and older adults, emotional intelligence and well-being are linked to educational background and social engagement, factors affecting employment in old age. In the Chinese context, the lack of higher education and potentially lower emotional intelligence among many older residents poses a specific challenge. Economic reforms have led to increased female labor supply and education levels in China, yet the country lags behind developed nations. The ageing population influences political choices, with economic satisfaction and social ties impacting voting patterns. Age-related prejudice in the workplace, often rooted in cultural stereotypes and in-group favoritism, is also a significant issue. While China has created a niche for older workers, inequalities based on gender, age, and education persist. However, ethnic and linguistic diversity, integral to Chinese society, is not a primary concern in this context. The study emphasizes the need for Conversation Analysis to examine age-related changes within the framework of Chinese traditionalism.

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining Conversation Analysis (CA) with quantitative analysis of linguistic and behavioral patterns. The CA methodology focuses on analyzing naturally occurring conversations to reveal underlying social structures and communicative practices. The study corpus consisted of recorded conversations from 3820 participants aged 60 and older, including an approximately equal number of men and women, locals and migrants, from six cities across central and western China. The cities selected were Nanjing and Suzhou (Jiangxi province), Chengdu (Sichuan province), Zhengzhou (Henan province), Shanghai, and Beijing. The sample included 2271 individuals aged 60–65 and 1580 older than 65. Each core participant had 7-16 interlocutors, with 2-5 people involved in each recorded conversation. The conversations covered diverse contexts: recruitment, decision-making, conflict resolution, financial matters, communication with family and friends, and job prospects. All participants spoke Mandarin. Conversations were recorded in natural settings, including workplaces and public spaces. Data analysis involved identifying recurring utterances and behavioral patterns to understand the interplay between age, social status, and emotional pressure on communication styles. Quantitative analysis assessed correlations between identified patterns and contextual factors. Data collection occurred between May and July 2021, minimizing the impact of COVID-19 restrictions.

The analysis revealed three main factors influencing the communication behavior of older Chinese workers: age, social status, and emotional pressure. 1. **Age and Social Status:** Older adults in the Chinese labor market tended to maintain their informal status within social hierarchies, adhering to traditional etiquette and politeness. Formal politeness strategies were consistently employed in conversations involving work-related or financial issues. This formal style was largely reserved for interactions with older individuals or those with higher social standing. Shorter utterances were more prevalent in these formal interactions. 2. **Emotional Pressure and Self-Victimization:** Older participants often exhibited self-victimization and feelings of insecurity. This manifested in behaviors such as avoiding criticism, using shorter sentences, silently accepting instructions, and avoiding discussions of injustice with individuals outside their peer group or those of similar social standing. This behavior is likely a result of fears associated with potential punishments, social repercussions, and job loss. 3. **Positive Interaction Strategies:** In situations where expressions of satisfaction, praise, and life advice were expected, older adults employed positive, traditional, and socially acceptable communication strategies.

The study's findings highlight the under-researched issue of social adaptation for elderly employees in China, particularly given the country's economic and social security circumstances. The lower level of national per capita real income and the uneven coverage of the pension system in China make social integration of older adults critical for maintaining a productive workforce. The desire among older people to maintain a younger self-image influences their behaviors and communication patterns. The interplay between traditional respect for elders within families and the increasing number of older adults raises concerns about family caregiving capacity. Maintaining employment can improve older adults' independence and social participation. The study emphasizes the need to preserve the informal status of older workers. Internal migration of older adults, though important, remains under-researched. The impact of technological advances and skill-intensive technologies on the labor market, potentially leading to job displacement for older, less-educated workers, underscores the need for proactive measures. The findings suggest that while the traditional respect for elders continues to influence the Chinese labor market, changes are underway, potentially creating tension and leading older workers to adopt conservative communication strategies as a form of self-preservation.

This study contributes to the limited research on aging in the Chinese labor market by using Conversation Analysis to identify age-related communication patterns. The three key factors—age, social status, and emotional pressure—provide insights into the behaviors and attitudes of older workers. The results highlight the need for social support systems and digital literacy programs tailored to the needs and challenges of this population. Future research should expand geographically to include rural areas and regions with diverse ethnic and linguistic groups, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the aging workforce in China.

The study's limitations include the reliance on Conversation Analysis, which, while valuable, is not a purely quantitative method. The findings reflect the subjective perceptions and communication patterns within the study sample, not necessarily statistically verified factors from a fully representative sample. The focus on a limited number of cities also restricts the generalizability of the findings. Future research should address these limitations by expanding geographic scope and incorporating additional quantitative data.