When looking for a balance between independence and health care in later life, China's older generation must navigate an under-developed, overwhelmed sector.
Many Chinese believe it is the responsibility of children to care for their aging parents, and often grandparents, too. In some cases, those that put their elderly relatives into nursing homes are looked down on for shirking their filial responsibility.
At the end of 2014, there were 212 million Chinese, or 15.5 percent of the population, aged 60 or above. This is expected to increase by around 10 million every year.
Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Zou Ming said China is getting old before getting rich and the care industry is under prepared. With a rapidly aging population and many people leaving their hometowns in search of work, suitable elderly care options must be found.
There is, however, a silver-haired lining as both the government and the private sector seek to develop viable solutions.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME?
Nursing homes in China are beset by a myriad problems. A fire at a care home in Henan Province, central China, in May claimed the lives of 38 of its elderly residents, causing many to question the standards of elderly-care centers.
Care homes are also struggling with staff shortages. By the end of 2015the government predicts that there will be 30 beds for every 1,000 seniors. While there are 290,000 nurses that specialize in geriatric nursing spread out across the whole country. Even if every nurse cared for three disabled seniors, there would still be 10 million seniors with no caregiver.
The central government is championing home-based care and services for those that do not need the support of special facilities.
In 2013, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued a guideline calling for the incorporation of home-based care, community support and nursing resources.
