China has the fastest growing senior-age population. But with the current trend of the old being uncared for by their relatives, who will take care of China's elderly?

It has been a Chinese tradition that the old are taken care of by their own children, and institutions such as homes for the elderly haven't been widely accepted. But with the changing times and this tradition is slowly fading.

Like Us on Facebook

Most adults are reportedly working full time, and taking care of the elderly members of their family is becoming less of a priority. Reports indicate that in impoverished communities, when the elderly reach a stage in which they are unable to work, they are viewed as a burden.

According to United Nations estimates, 18 percent of China's population by 2030 will be citizens aged 65 and above. By 2050, the elderly are expected to number around 500 million.

Due to the growing number of elderly people, as well as the current work trends, China's senior-care industry is rapidly growing. At these care centers, the elderly receive professional care 24 hours a day, while their relatives have the time to work and engage in other pursuits.

The Chinese government is working to tackle the issue of a growing elderly population, and has issued policies designed to improve the nation's elderly-care system. These policies include opening up the market, as well as encouraging overseas and private investments.

The policies also helped elderly-care centers in some ways, one of which is the monthly subsidizing of beds.

Despite the government's efforts, the elderly-care sector is still facing difficulties. According to the Vice Minister of Civil Affairs Zou Ming, the number of nurses working to care for the elderly is not enough.

Zou added that most of these nurses are 40 years and above, are of low educational attainment, and also receive low compensation. Thus, they are prone to quitting the task.

Reports indicate that suicide among the elderly in impoverished areas is also reaching terrifying levels. In Hubei Province's Jingshan County, for example, an investigation by a Wuhan University lecturer found ot that at least 30 percent of the elderly die from suicide.

Despite the decrease in China's overall suicide rate, the lecturer said that the suicide is still rising in rural areas. Even medical practitioners are likely to agree that suicide is the normal response to a serious illness.

TagsChina Elderly Population, Eldercare Facilities China, China Senior Care Homes, China Old Population, China Elderly People Suicides, China Old People Suicide