China
China Faces Elder Care Crisis: Over 60% of Seniors Live Alone as Affordability of Nursing Homes Declines
Over 60% of Chinese citizens aged 60 and above live alone, according to a recent survey. The majority are unable to afford nursing home care, reveals a survey conducted every five years. In response, the national aging committee is urging for improved services and more cohesive policies.
The survey, carried out once every five years by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, revealed that individuals within this age group were also less reliant on their offspring. The typical number of children per family declined by 0.6 in the last ten years to 2021, reaching an average of 2.6 children, due to the one-child policy initiated in the late 1970s.
In August 2021, the survey involved participation from approximately 130,000 individuals who were 60 years old or older.
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The study also revealed that almost 50% of those open to residing in nursing homes were able to handle monthly expenses of up to 1,000 yuan (approximately US$140). However, this budget would make the majority of elderly care centers in major Chinese cities such as Beijing and Shanghai unaffordable, where prices exceed 5,000 yuan per month.
The conventional Chinese practice where children care for their aging parents is under significant strain, according to a survey report published last week by the National Committee on Ageing, an entity associated with the ministry.
"The swift increase in the number of aging individuals living alone demands enhanced care solutions and integrated strategies to boost their quality of life."
The globe's second biggest economic powerhouse is currently facing challenges due to a slowing economy, compounded by the increasing burdens of an aging population and a diminishing labor force.
In 2023, the population of individuals aged 60 and older climbed to 297 million, representing over 21 percent of the overall population, as per official figures. Additionally, those aged 65 and older surpassed 217 million, constituting 15.4 percent of the total population.
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