Community social services: support for independent living of older persons in China

Abstract

Family care is a traditional source of support for older persons in China. However the forces of industrialization and urbanization in China mean that some older people have to adapt to social changes and live independently. The establishment of a social security system and the development of community social services provide great support for older persons who live independently. The majority of old people in China regard the community as their extended family. Since China has a large population and limited financial resources, it is estimated that social services and service facilities meet only 30% and 20% of the demand, respectively. The author proposes that in the process of rapid economic development, the government and non-government organizations need to pay more attention to the growing problems of older persons and to provide more support to them.