A new survey shows that more than half of China's old folks would
rather live alone than with their children.
"Care for Elders," a survey jointly sponsored by the China National
Committee on Aging and China Youth Daily, asked 20,000 people, both
young and old, what senior citizens need to lead contented
lives.
The survey found that half of the polled old people prefer to live
in the same area with their children, but not in the same building
or even close by. They said it is better for them to maintain their
independence while remaining in frequent contact with their
kids.
Experts on aging say the answer reflects the disintegration of the
traditional idea of a big family.
Meanwhile, 73 percent of those surveyed said they would not want to
live in a nursing home. They said they looked forward to more
community services specially designed for them. Some of the
services they listed were help with household chores and medical
care, assistance with shopping, and having people to talk to.
The investigators concluded that old people are generally satisfied
with their children's care for them. Seven out of ten young people
host birthday parties for their parents, and as many made regular
phone calls home.
Li
Baoku, president of the committee and also vice minister of civil
affairs, said that using the survey responses as a guide, China
will establish more community services and facilities for the
elders.
(Xinhua News
Agency January 3, 2002)