在社会参与中提升农村老人健康福祉

Core Viewpoint - The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasizes the need to actively address population aging by improving the policy mechanism for the coordinated development of the elderly care industry and enhancing urban-rural elderly care service networks. Over 60% of the elderly population in China resides in rural areas, where modernization is lagging, leading to health vulnerabilities among rural elderly individuals [1]. Group 1: Economic Participation - Rural elderly individuals primarily engage in informal work, often in high-intensity agricultural activities, which adversely affects their health due to insufficient social security and modern living conditions [2]. - Transitioning from "passive labor" to "autonomous labor" is crucial for enhancing health and well-being, necessitating improvements in rural social security systems and agricultural service frameworks [2]. - Strengthening rural collective economies and family support systems is essential to reduce the burden of heavy agricultural labor on elderly individuals [2]. Group 2: Social Interaction - Social interaction is vital for rural elderly individuals to gain emotional support and a sense of community, yet the decline of public spaces and cultural activities limits their social engagement [3][4]. - Promoting a shift from "staying indoors" to "exploring outdoors" can enhance health and well-being through improved living conditions and community activities [4]. - Establishing public platforms for social engagement, such as mutual aid and volunteer services, can strengthen social ties among rural elderly individuals [4]. Group 3: Family Participation - Family involvement is a critical aspect of rural elderly life, providing daily care and emotional support, but the outflow of young laborers has increased the caregiving burden on elderly individuals [5]. - Creating a supportive family environment and encouraging regular visits from children can enhance the quality of life for elderly individuals [5]. - Improving healthcare conditions and integrating elderly care with childcare services can alleviate the physical demands on elderly caregivers [6]. Group 4: Internet Participation - The rise of internet technology has made online participation increasingly common among rural elderly individuals, offering social, informational, and entertainment opportunities [6]. - However, challenges such as limited knowledge and susceptibility to online scams hinder their effective engagement with digital platforms [6]. - Strengthening internet infrastructure and providing training can help rural elderly individuals use the internet more effectively and safely, enhancing their overall well-being [6].