Perspectives on Elderly Care

In China, the need to care for the elderly population is increasing dramatically. China’s baby boomer generation is now aging, and in great need of assistance. As a result of China’s economic reform in the 1990’s, the country has undergone a rapid process of globalization that is now changing our world. Increased geographic mobility, longevity, the one-child policy, increased job opportunities, and the change of social roles in China are all factors that have resulted in decreased availability for adult children to take care of their aging parents. Attitudes and perspectives on elderly care have developed and varied as the structure of China has drastically changed. This issue of elderly care is something that previously has not been a major concern for the country. The traditional Chinese thought and practice of filial piety (xiao) includes care and respect for the elderly population based on Confucianism (Kuang, 2010). Filial piety has long been China’s means of taking care of the elderly population. It is the norm that an adult children’s parent(s) will live with them. Not only does filial piety encompass all the needs of physical care of a parent, but also notions of loyalty, obedience, and respect for the elder (Zhan, 2008). Historically, institutional elder care in China has been minimal, and laws were based on cultural values of Confucianis