乡村振兴 | 田野对谈之对话吕德文（中）：维持型乡村的功能

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of rural areas in understanding contemporary Chinese economic and social development, highlighting the concept of "maintaining villages" and their role in elderly care and rural revitalization [2][4]. Group 1: Research and Observations - CICC Global Institute has conducted extensive field research across 21 provinces, 58 counties, and over 300 villages to analyze rural changes and challenges [2]. - The concept of "maintaining villages" is identified as representing approximately 80% of all villages, which are characterized by their inability to be merged or activated due to their essential functions [3]. Group 2: Elderly Care in Rural Areas - Maintaining villages play a crucial role in elderly care, serving as strategic resources to address the aging population in China, with established grassroots organizations and community structures [4]. - Future improvements in rural elderly care should focus on enhancing social security income and developing localized elderly care services rather than merely providing pensions [5].