Microblog Buzz
Editor’s Note
Recently, China Central Television (CCTV) interviewed elderly people on the street for a special program in conjunction with the Double Ninth Festival, celebrated in China as a day to pay respect to senior citizens. One 80-year-old woman’s response was particularly touching, as she said that she felt indifferent to the festival and felt that she was too old and no longer wanted to live. She added that she no longer felt loved by her children and was also not afraid of death but rather dreaded the loneliness of not having anyone to talk to. She wished that her three children would visit her more often.
The traditional, family-based elderly care system in China is facing great challenges, as demonstrated by a recent survey showing nearly 70 percent of the country’s migrant workers visit home only once every six months or at longer intervals. According to China Agricultural University, there were 20 million rural Chinese senior citizens living alone as of 2008. >>more
Although there are a million excuses for not visiting, supporting and spending enough time with our parents, such as busy work, travel expenses and distance, the truth is that we can show them we care by making small efforts like calling them and having a real conversation.
While the government and society have a responsibility to improve the elderly care system in the country, taking care of one’s family should still be the top priority.