A new elderly support system in rural areas in Shanghai

Area of Science:

• Social Gerontology
• Public Policy
• Rural Economics

Background:

• The traditional community-funded elderly support system in rural Shanghai was being replaced.
• The study was initiated in response to the need for a more sustainable and diversified funding model for elder care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a new elderly support system for China's rural areas.
• To explore a model of joint funding involving the State, community, and private individuals.

Main Methods:

• A two-year experiment was conducted in the rural areas of Shanghai suburbs.
• The study focused on areas with developed economies and collectively owned township enterprises.

Main Results:

• A novel elderly support system was successfully established.
• The system demonstrated applicability to economically developed rural areas in China.

Conclusions:

• The jointly funded elderly support system offers a viable alternative for rural China.
• The new model addresses the evolving economic and social landscape of elder care in China.