In 2050 one-third of the Chinese population will be senior citizens, about 437 million people. Because the Chinese population is aging so rapidly there is an urgent need to confront the upcoming aging problems, as well as providing adequate care to the elderly. The government is actively trying to ensure that there will be programs in place to care for their older adult population. Urban communities will be required to provide services for the elderly by the end of this year. Along with the urban community requirement, 80% of rural towns will also be required to have service centers for the aged. Some home care services will be provided by the community as well as a free service card for older adults. The service card will cover the costs for 15 hours of housekeeping services a month. Senior citizens will also be able to get help from community hospital, community committees, and street health stations, all of which will help the elderly with daily activities (eating, bathing, laundry, grocery shopping, etc.). Because of this increase in home care, older adults residing in villages will not have to stress about depending on their children. Only "6 to 8 percent [of Chinese aged 60 or older] are willing to enter retirement homes". This will cause a lot of issues for the government because the number of people that are not able to live by themselves has also increased. Traditionally elderly people live with their children once they retire but now about 50% of senior citizens live alone and the other 50% live with relatives. Most older adults would like to live alone and as such the government must provide adequate care for them. These home services will allow the Chinese elderly to maintain their independence.
information recieved from:
http://www.china.org.cn/english/China/243548.htm
http://www.chinagate.cn/english/news/49537.htm
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