Loneliness, illness warning as elderly face 'empty nest'
China's elderly were suffering from physical and psychological ailments brought on by loneliness, mainland academics warned as they called for better care of senior citizens.
The academics said feelings of isolation within the elderly population were a problem mirrored in Japan and the West, but were staved off until recently in China due to large families living in one house.
About 10 per cent of China's elderly said they felt nervous and 26 per cent felt depressed, according to a study by a research centre for the elderly in Shanghai.
Statistics from Tianjin's Social Sciences Academy also showed that elderly people who lived alone were more susceptible to disease and problems related to the loss of a spouse than those living with their children.
About 44 per cent of the 2,658 elderly surveyed in Tianjin had lost a spouse and 33 per cent suffered a disease of some sort.
Many of those surveyed were bored, spending much of their time at home watching television or listening to the radio. Finding someone to talk to was the greatest pleasure for almost every senior citizen, according to the survey.
More than a third of urban families have become 'empty nests' - a household with only one elderly person or an elderly couple who do not have children with them, according to China National Radio.
The number of empty households runs as high as 70 per cent in Beijing's Zhongguancun area, home to many of the city's intellectuals.
'Improved living conditions have allowed many Chinese who used to live together crowded under one roof to live in more spacious housing. But as relatives and old neighbours move away it has left many living in solitude,' said Professor Hao Maishou of the academy.
He said the problem would get worse because of the mainland's growing elderly population.
According to the latest census, China has 88 million people above the age of 65. They account for about seven per cent of the population.
Professor Hao said a special community system should be established to help the elderly go out to complete basic chores.
He also pointed to the need for a companion service, housekeeping help, various kinds of entertainment and activities and hospitals for the elderly.
