千万老漂族，困在带孙辈的义务中

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing burden on families due to the demands of child-rearing and education, leading to the rise of the "old drifting" population, who move to cities to help care for grandchildren, often at the cost of their own well-being and mental health [1][8][22]. Group 1: Old Drifting Population - The "old drifting" population refers to elderly individuals who relocate to cities to assist their children with childcare and household duties, often feeling like outsiders in their new environments [6][7]. - In 2020, the number of old drifters in China exceeded 11 million, as they make up 43% of the elderly population involved in childcare [6][21]. - The old drifting population plays a crucial role in supporting young families, allowing them to maintain dual-income households and manage daily responsibilities [11][20]. Group 2: Family Dynamics and Conflicts - Conflicts often arise between the old drifting population and younger family members, primarily due to differing parenting philosophies, with younger parents favoring meticulous child-rearing practices that the elderly may struggle to implement [8][15]. - Many elderly caregivers feel unappreciated and overburdened, leading to feelings of resentment and mental health issues, as they often sacrifice their own needs for the sake of family [8][22]. - The article highlights that the old drifting population often experiences a lack of emotional support from their children, leading to increased feelings of isolation and neglect [22][23]. Group 3: Economic Considerations - The economic burden of hiring professional childcare services is significant, with costs for hiring a nanny for children aged 0-3 years potentially reaching around 180,000 yuan, making reliance on the old drifting population a financially viable option for many families [21]. - The article notes that the average salary for childcare workers in urban areas is high, making the old drifting population a cost-effective and reliable alternative for childcare [21][20]. - As urbanization continues to rise, the old drifting population is expected to remain a long-term fixture in family structures, necessitating policy exploration to alleviate their caregiving burdens and ensure their well-being [22][30].