Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges and realities of aging, emphasizing that many elderly individuals face loneliness and lack of support, despite having children or financial resources. It highlights the importance of self-reliance and preparation for old age, rather than solely depending on children for care and support [12][34]. Group 1: Personal Experiences of the Elderly - An 85-year-old woman reflects on her life, expressing feelings of loneliness despite having a pension and friends, questioning the benefits of marriage and family as she ages [11][14]. - The story of a 77-year-old woman in Hong Kong who died alone for over a year, with her children living abroad and not contacting her, illustrates the potential neglect faced by the elderly [16][21]. - Another case involves a woman in Beijing who sold her home to have her daughter care for her, only to find that the arrangement did not meet her expectations, leading to a legal dispute over money [23][34]. Group 2: Societal Changes and Challenges - The article notes that many young people are under significant financial pressure, making it difficult for them to support their aging parents, leading to a shift in traditional expectations of "raising children to prevent aging" [25][32]. - The distance between families, often due to work commitments in different cities, exacerbates the challenges of elderly care, leaving many seniors to fend for themselves [23][30]. Group 3: The Reality of Nursing Homes - The article highlights the emergence of "outsourced children," individuals hired to visit and provide companionship to the elderly in nursing homes, indicating a lack of family support [36][39]. - Reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes raise concerns about the quality of care provided, with instances of physical mistreatment and poor living conditions [44][46]. - The article emphasizes the need for individuals to prepare for their own aging by saving money, maintaining health, and finding personal interests to avoid dependency on others [49][58].

Societal Perspectives on Child-rearing - Traditional Chinese families often view raising children as an investment for old age, which can be a source of unhappiness for children [1] - Many parents raise children for personal reasons such as continuing the family line or fulfilling their own dreams, without considering the child's desires [1] - The author argues that most Chinese parents are selfish, expecting a return on their investment in their children rather than prioritizing the child's well-being [1] - The author suggests that if raising children is approached as a consumption rather than an investment, children can be born into a less pressured environment, fostering love and genuine connection [1] Economic Analysis of Child-rearing - The author calculates the costs and returns of raising children to argue that it is not a profitable investment in the current socio-economic climate [1] - The author advocates for a shift in mindset towards viewing children as a "consumer product" rather than an investment [1] Alternative Perspectives on Child-rearing - The author disagrees with the DINK (Dual Income No Kids) lifestyle and supports Elon Musk's view that those who are capable should have more children [1] - The author believes that having the right mindset towards children allows them to develop their own ideas and ensures fairness [1]

Societal Perspective on Childbearing - The document posits that children are increasingly viewed as consumer goods rather than necessities, reflecting a shift in values among younger generations [1] - Traditional concepts of lineage and family inheritance are diminishing, leading to a reduced sense of responsibility towards procreation among the post-2000s generation [1] Economic Considerations - The decline in birth rates is likened to a contraction in household consumption, highlighting the economic implications of changing family structures [1] - Raising a child in Shanghai to university graduation is estimated to cost over 3 million RMB [1] - The document suggests that an individual in China can expect to earn between 4 million and 15 million RMB in their lifetime [1] Investment Analysis of Child Rearing - The "raising children for old age" model is deemed an unfavorable investment, considering the financial, emotional, and time commitments involved [1] - Viewing children as an investment with the expectation of returns and old-age security can be detrimental to both parents and children [1] Shifting Motivations for Parenthood - Childbearing is considered worthwhile when approached as a consumer choice, undertaken by individuals with financial stability and without pressure [1] - Under favorable conditions, children are seen as the embodiment of love, heritage, and future aspirations, rather than a potentially unprofitable investment [1] - The decision to have children is framed as a personal choice, contingent on individual circumstances and priorities [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the complexities and challenges of parenthood, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and preparation before becoming a parent, as well as the importance of understanding the parent-child relationship beyond traditional ideals [1][4][7]. Group 1: Understanding Parenthood - Parenthood is likened to creating a unique piece of art, where the outcome is influenced by both the parent's skills and the child's inherent qualities [1][4]. - The pressure and unpredictability of parenting are highlighted, suggesting that one cannot fully prepare for the challenges that arise [2][18]. - The article stresses the importance of recognizing and addressing issues in the parent-child dynamic, which may stem from past experiences and societal expectations [3][5][6]. Group 2: The Role of Self-Reflection - Self-reflection is crucial for understanding one's own upbringing and how it affects parenting choices, with the idea that parents are not infallible [4][5][6]. - The concept of "inner child" is introduced, suggesting that individuals must reconcile their childhood experiences to foster healthier relationships with their own children [10][11]. - The article encourages individuals to assess their readiness for parenthood by considering their emotional stability, relationship dynamics, and financial capabilities [15][16]. Group 3: The Nature of the Parent-Child Relationship - The relationship between parents and children is described as complex, where children are independent beings rather than extensions of their parents [19][20]. - Expectations from children can lead to disappointment, as they may prioritize their own interests and explorations over parental desires [21][22]. - The article concludes with a call to embrace the new life of a child, acknowledging the responsibilities and joys that come with it [23].

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "pension prevention from children" is becoming increasingly common among the elderly, reflecting a shift from the traditional belief of "raising children for old age" to a more self-reliant approach in financial management [2][3][6]. Group 1: Changing Attitudes Towards Elderly Financial Management - Many elderly individuals are now concealing their financial status from their children, viewing their savings as personal resources for retirement and medical expenses [3][4]. - The shift in mindset is evident among different generations, with older generations recognizing that having children does not guarantee support in old age, leading to proactive financial planning [4][19]. - Insurance sales have seen a rise in demand from the elderly, who often purchase policies without their children's knowledge, indicating a desire for financial independence [5][20]. Group 2: Strategies for Concealing Wealth - Elderly individuals are employing various strategies to hide their financial assets, such as spreading savings across multiple banks and using cash transactions to avoid leaving a digital trail [14][15]. - Some elderly people even resort to fabricating stories about their financial situations to maintain control over their assets and avoid conflicts with their children [11][13]. - The trend of "pension prevention from children" is characterized by a growing reluctance among the elderly to share their financial resources, driven by fears of dependency and family disputes [6][19]. Group 3: Generational Financial Misunderstandings - There is a notable disconnect between the financial perspectives of the elderly and their children, with the former viewing savings as essential for their own security, while the latter see it as inheritance [21]. - This generational gap in understanding financial responsibilities can lead to conflicts within families, as children may expect financial support from their parents [21][22]. Group 4: Cultural and Societal Influences - The decline of traditional filial piety and the inadequacy of social security systems are significant factors contributing to the rise of the "pension prevention from children" phenomenon [23][27]. - Urbanization and the shift to nuclear families have resulted in many elderly individuals feeling isolated and unsupported, prompting them to retain their financial resources [24][25]. - The lack of adequate social welfare, especially in rural areas, exacerbates the situation, as many elderly individuals are left to fend for themselves without sufficient institutional support [28][30].