From Chinese Press

Mental care for the elderly

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-20 08:48

The Chongyang Festival advocates filial piety and respect for the elders, yet it is harsh reality that children of lonely seniors may not be able to accompany them when facing pressure of all kinds, says an article in Modern Express. Excerpts:

China is becoming an aging society. The elderly are expected to comprise 31 percent of China's population by 2050. The main concern of the elderly is not money but being alone, as the problems of food and clothing have basically been solved. But filial piety should make their grown-up children focus more on their mental care.

However, it is not fair to blame the children for not fulfilling their filial duty when the 4-2-1 family structure has already burdened young couples with huge material and mental pressure. Moreover, other factors, such as the imbalance in the support system and inadequate old-age pension, are making the theme of "loving the elderly" even more complicated.

The distress of the elderly is actually a reflection of overall social anxiety and this cannot be alleviated by any individual. What we need to do now is to secure the "project of loving the old" with three parties: family, society and government, which should take more measures when solving practical problems.

There is a series of challenges that the pension system, medical care and pension services face, most of which involve money. But money-related problems can be solved; it is a tougher task providing mental comfort. A combination of a policy securing material needs and loving care would increase the happiness of the elderly.

(China Daily 10/20/2010 page9)