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Posts: 292

Governor

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Q: Is Chinese style elderly care better than home?

In a recent speech a British politician (i can't remember his name) said that people should take more care of their elderly rather than putting them in a home. He is married to a Chinese woman and said he was impressed by the Asian respect for the elderly (I'm paraphasing obvs). But I don't know. I mean a lot of British care homes are awful, and I don't think we have a lot of respect for the elderly, but I don't see much of that here either.

 

From articles I've read people feel burdened by their responsibility to their parents/grandparents. I mean the government has just made a law forcing people to visit their parents...doesn't sound like respect to me. And taking them out "for walks" with a blanket tied around them, then leaving them outside for some 'fresh air' doesn't seem like proper care. I feel like he made this statement having just looked at the face of elderly care in China without looking much deeper. 

 

How do see the difference between respect/care for elderly here and at home? What would you prefer when you get old?

 

 

10 years 23 weeks ago in  Culture - China

 
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Posts: 9631

Emperor

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I 100% think it would be a better world if people took more care of their family members. However this is not always possible, and some elders require more care than what most of us can provide (e.g. more than just food and company) Some Chinese elders would be better off in a proper facility, but they are often stuck at home with their children, and as the children also needs to live, they are literally stuck at home. This will be a negative impact on both senior and "junior" quality of life. 

The Chinese "old folks homes" are awful. It's just like the hospitals, Cold rooms, no privacy etc. China is actually importing old folks home expertise from northern Europe as the whole concept of taking care of old people is foreign to people here.

 

 

The Japanese had it sorted out back in the day when they threw the old people in a volcano when they got useless. 

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10 years 23 weeks ago
 
Posts: 902

Shifu

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I think the western way and the Chinese are almost at the opposite ends of the scale. In the west we have well established social security systems in place so that very few people live in absolute poverty and health care is available even to those who cannot afford it. I know there are exceptions and I am not saying anyone living on the bare minimum is having a wonderful life, but there is a degree of support there for everyone. Coupled to this western people are raised to be independent and to go out there and forge their own way.  So when people are older their children know they will not be out on the streets begging. There are many western people who do care for their elderly parents and do a very good job and there are some who do very little. Is it an ideal system, no of course not but that is our way.

 

In China there is little in the way of social security, and a good dose of Confucianism,  and so the responsibility falls upon the children. Should parents automatically expect their children to take care of them? No I don't think so we are all individuals, as strange as that may seem to some Chinese, but families should help each other where it is possible to do so. Where it falls down is when parents see the children as cash cows for the parents benefits, or when the children have to work away and just can't be there all the time. The one child policy has also created pitfalls in this area. When it comes to a government having to legislate for children to visit their parents I think this just shows that the government know the system is close to breaking point and this is a last ditch effort to slap a band aid on it.

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10 years 23 weeks ago
 
Posts: 879

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My students and colleagues often tell me that "Chinese people care more about their family". Oh, and that "Western people are too independent, and don't care about their family" - an opinion drawn from their abundant experience living in other cultures, no doubt.

 

My parents will both be retired soon. If they get old and sick, I will go home and look after them because I love them. That's my choice, and I will do that because I am independent.

 

My girlfriend's grandmother died early this year. Her aunt took all the grandfather's money, and they now keep him in a small concrete room (known in some countries as a cell), and don't let him use electricity (that includes heating and light). Like most Chinese people, his descendants don't give a fuck about anyone whose existence doesn't benefit them. Now that they've got his money, all they want is for him to politely die.

 

Chinese people will believe any slogan that praises China. "We care more about our families" is just another example.

mArtiAn:

  I don't know about 'most' Chinese in terms of the entire country, but most of the people here I know, take pretty good care of their elderly relatives. My wife's grandmother was a bitch to my wife when she was a kid and I wouldn't piss on the old hag if she was on fire, but my wife treats her great. And why doesn't your girlfriend do something about it if her grandfather is being treated in such an obviously abusive manner? I'd never allow any of my grandparents to live like that.

10 years 22 weeks ago
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10 years 23 weeks ago
 
Posts: 5156

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He is a politician. He is trying to say the the social security safety net should be cut off. That is silly, we must work to take care of ourselves and families , having to deal with high costs. Now we are supposed to take care our parents because the government mismanaged tax revenues?

Here is an  idea for the Brits, cut off the Royal inbred family.

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10 years 23 weeks ago
 
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Many old people in 'western' countries value their independence for as long as possible. I would respect my parents wishes for their old age. that is not to say i don't care about them, but i care enough not to force them into a situation that would make them unhappy.

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10 years 23 weeks ago
 
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Chinese style elderly care? make them have to chase after toddlers in. force families too decide whether to pay for their parents, grand parents medical needs vs feeding their children? Thats pucking barbaric. This way forces people to place uneccessary value on money. How can anyone debate an organized structure where people pay taxes so the gov takes on the burden of providing for the elderly. Elderly citizens can choose their own level of indepence. because they do not have to worry about money. The elderly can maintain their dignity because the govt provides day activities for them with other senoirs. Individuals are not forced to make a child for the sole purpose os of being their caretakers.

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10 years 22 weeks ago
 
Posts: 129

Governor

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Nothing Chinese is better than home.. nothing.

smoglife:

That is quite a statement. For one Chinese tofu (in all its form bar stinky) is a lot better. I'm guessing from your picture you are quite the proud englishman/woman. What keeps you here if it is all worse?

10 years 22 weeks ago
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teggsnose:

I am having a BCD today. But I stand by my words but I am open to discussion.

 

In answer to your question -money.

 

And I am an English man.

 

Cheers. 

10 years 22 weeks ago
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Scandinavian:

Hmmmm. Strong words for a Brit. I mean, the country where hot water pipes run on the outside of houses, where you have carpets around the porcelain throne. Yet I would tend to agree, same applies to me as a Scandinavian man. 

10 years 22 weeks ago
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10 years 22 weeks ago
 
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