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Wan LixinOpinion deputy editor of Shanghai Daily
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Young finding it hard to look after relatives
Source: Xinhua |
June 24, 2009, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
MANY younger Chinese are finding it hard to play the traditional role of supporting their aged parents, a survey has found.
The China Youth Daily survey, published yesterday, drew that response from some 70 percent of 3,144 people surveyed. Of those polled, 65.8 percent were born after 1980 and 23 percent after 1970.
More than half said being only children meant they faced financial difficulties in supporting several aged relatives.
Filial piety has traditionally been the prime virtue in China and few people have been willing to face the criticism they would incur by sending aged parents to nursing homes.
Du Peng, head of the gerontics studies center of Renmin University of China, said smaller families, higher living and medical costs, a more competitive work environment and longer lifespans were making it harder for young people to nurse the aged.
"The government should offer stimulus measures and grant more subsidies to institutions that contribute to the care and support of senior citizens," he said.
More than 80 percent of those polled said their ideal way of life was to balance a career with caring for their elders.
Just over 52 percent said they would like to live with their parents but nearly 25 percent said they would rather live apart but offer spiritual and material support.
The China Youth Daily survey, published yesterday, drew that response from some 70 percent of 3,144 people surveyed. Of those polled, 65.8 percent were born after 1980 and 23 percent after 1970.
More than half said being only children meant they faced financial difficulties in supporting several aged relatives.
Filial piety has traditionally been the prime virtue in China and few people have been willing to face the criticism they would incur by sending aged parents to nursing homes.
Du Peng, head of the gerontics studies center of Renmin University of China, said smaller families, higher living and medical costs, a more competitive work environment and longer lifespans were making it harder for young people to nurse the aged.
"The government should offer stimulus measures and grant more subsidies to institutions that contribute to the care and support of senior citizens," he said.
More than 80 percent of those polled said their ideal way of life was to balance a career with caring for their elders.
Just over 52 percent said they would like to live with their parents but nearly 25 percent said they would rather live apart but offer spiritual and material support.
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