A quest to make the twilight years a breeze

This year in May, the government issued a plan to further bolster the elderly care sector over the next four years.

Shanghai vice-mayor Peng Chenlei said during a meeting in August that the city is aiming to build a central database of caregivers as well as standardize the training materials and ways of evaluating professionals.

"In the near future, caregivers will be assessed not just based on their skills, but also on their education background and other factors. These factors will then determine their skill levels, which could possibly be linked to how much they earn," says Fan.

"This approach will help them achieve better career development and enhance their sense of occupational identity and self-esteem."

Universities and nursing homes are already taking it upon themselves to improve their learning environments.

At Shanghai Open University, for instance, the faculty team now includes professionals who impart their experience to students. Teachers are also regularly sent to workshops, seminars and international exchange events to improve their skills and knowledge.