Additionally, the traditional ethics that prevailed in China for the past millenniums are eroding amidst rapid social transformations touched off by the market-driven reforms. It is no longer morally appealing, nor economically feasible, for children to support their elderly parents at home. Economists estimate, for example, that by 2050, two working people will have to support an elderly citizen. The one-child policy as advocated by China’s family planning authorities will deal another heavy blow to the traditional model of home care as young couples may have to support four parents and eight grandparents.

Reflecting the changing times, old people are increasingly willing to be on their own for care. A random survey conducted by reporters of Liaoning Daily, the largest newspaper in north China’s Liaoning Province, yielded some insights into how old folks in China today plan to take care of themselves.

The survey showed that most senior citizens prefer self-care as opposed to home care -- staying with children for care. Of the 30 people interviewed at random at one morning exercise session in June 1999, 77% were aged 70-79, 13% 60-69 and 10% over 80.
In living choices, 70% live by themselves. Even among the nine spouseless, six (67%) live alone. Economically, 73% live on their own pensions, 17% on the pensions of their spouse, 5% on children and another 5% on relatives. In daily life, 67% are cared by their spouse or themselves. For social life, though, there was greater diversity.

 

Table 1 Who takes care of them?

 

Table 2 Who do they chat with?

 

Interestingly, this independence does not necessarily preclude links with children. On the contrary, 93% of them reported that their children often visit them (at least once a week). Also, they voluntarily choose not to live with their children, citing various reasons such as inconvenience, lack of freedom, difficulty with which to handle familial relationships, and unwillingness to “baby-sit” their children.

Asked how they would like to spend the rest of their life, 33% responded that they would live by themselves as long as they can; when they cannot, they will move into nursing homes.

 

Table 3 How would they like to spend the rest of life?

 

This newfound independence is due in part to the emergence of nursing homes across the country. In Liaoning Province, for example, 54 institutions offer old age care centers. These institutions are built by the government, enterprises and individuals. Zhao Xiuge, a 75-year-old retiree, has lived in a government-run nursing home for seven years. “I decided to move into this home because I don’t want to be a trouble to my children, although they are very filial to me,” she says. Her room has all the amenities: a TV, a refrigerator, and a tape recorder. “This is my home,” she adds.

However, the current capacity of nursing homes falls far short of demand. Furthermore, those old people who need in-house help are often left helpless. A major reason for the underdevelopment of these facilities is a lack of funding and a low level of income. Thirty-three percent of the respondents in the survey said they could only afford a monthly fee of less than 300 RMB (US$40); 20% said they could afford 300-400 RMB; 13% between 400-500 RMB; and 33% 500-800 RMB. On the other hand, 37% of those surveyed said their monthly income is less than 300 RMB. Some had unemployed children.

While socialized services are being increasingly accepted, Ms. Zhang Lizhu, deputy secretary general of the Liaoning Old-Age Committee, cautions that home care is still very important -- at least at the present stage -- although the community can provide all necessary services.