Research On Old-age Security For The Empty-nest Elderly In Rural Northeastern China

With the growth of urbanization and economy of Northeastern China,the region is suffering from severe population loss,which leads to a rapid increase in the empty-nest elderly population.Combined with the aging problem,this demographic structure impacted the traditional elder-care mode in its rural areas.This article examines the empty-nest elderly problem at village D in Suihua.First,I will examine the theories and methodologies in the study of empty-nest elderly problem.Then,I will focus on four facets of the empty-nest elderly at village D in Suihua: the economic situation,daily care,spiritual wellness and healthcare to analyze the pattern of the elder-care.However,the challenges that the elder care of the empty-nest elderly facing are the economy decrease in that region,the lack of medical facilities,the unsound elder-care system,the lack of care from offspring,unawareness of spiritual wellness and its severe cold weather in winter.These challenges derive from the loss of work-force,the rapid growth of the aging problem due to the one-child policy,the weakening of filial piety and the unchanging values of the elderly in rural areas.Based on the investigation of this problem,I suggest that the solution includes increasing the support from the government,strengthening the family elder-care and raise the awareness of spiritual wellness of the empty-nest elderly in rural areas.