多措并举破解农村养老难题

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of optimizing basic elderly care services in the context of an aging population, particularly through the development of rural happiness homes as a key initiative to address the needs of vulnerable groups such as empty nesters, left-behind children, and disabled individuals [1]. Group 1: Current Status and Achievements - Rural happiness homes are government-supported, village-managed, and socially-involved public service facilities that provide essential services such as dining, fitness, entertainment, and care for elderly individuals in rural areas [1]. - Successful examples include the transformation of an unused school building in Qiantun Village, Hebei Province, into a free living space for eligible elderly residents, who manage their daily lives with mutual assistance [1]. - In Jinan, Shandong Province, increased support since 2021 has enhanced the operational effectiveness of rural happiness homes, contributing to both basic care and a positive social environment [1]. Group 2: Challenges and Recommendations - Current challenges in the construction of rural happiness homes include inadequate financial support, insufficient management mechanisms, and a prevalence of "empty shell" facilities [2]. - Recommendations include the need for improved policies and regulations to establish clear guidelines for the development of rural happiness homes, ensuring accountability and effective emergency management [2]. - There is a call for comprehensive service enhancement, focusing on the most vulnerable elderly populations, including those with disabilities and solitary living situations, to provide equitable and quality care [2]. Group 3: Financial Support and Urban-Rural Integration - Strengthening financial support through government-led funding and public service purchases is suggested as a viable approach to enhance the development and operation of rural happiness homes [3]. - The article advocates for the integration of urban and rural elderly care services, proposing that high-quality urban services be extended to rural areas while also facilitating some rural elderly individuals to relocate to urban settings for better care [3].