Changes in the Middle Kingdom

We take for granted the care we give to our parents in third world countries, or the care opportunities that they have access to in first world countries. Some people may argue that third world countries actually have it better. Historically, they have had closer ties to their elders and made every attempt to care for them.  China is a good example of that. Family members (traditionally the daughter) would become the “caretaker” of the parents.

However, times have changed, especially with the advent of the “One Child Policy” in 1979. As a whole, the Chinese population is changing now more than ever before. The son (or daughter) receives education that only single children can get.  Parents are able to push their daughters harder than before. Now too busy to contemplate taking care of their parents, they must come up with other options. In the early 1990s, 10 young Chinese individuals supported one elderly individual. Now, young couples have to support four seniors and one child.

By 2020, the Chinese senior population will grow to 248 million.  Beds cannot keep up with those numbers. Many hope 90% of the seniors will be take care of at home, but this may change.

What will the future look like in the middle kingdom? One thing is for certain.  The government will have to undergo a paradigm shift when it comes to the care of its seniors. Learn more about it by clicking on the link below!

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/blues-for-the-elderly-in-china-2013-06-03?pagenumber=1