Core Insights - The discussion revolves around the impending elder care and end-of-life crisis facing the post-90s and post-00s generations in China, emphasizing the need for proactive preparation [8][14][39] Group 1: Research and Observations - The research conducted by the professor and his team over the past 15 years includes visits to hospitals, hospice care facilities, and nursing homes, focusing on how Chinese people approach aging and death [1][3] - A significant finding is that the elderly population in China aged 65 and above has doubled from 7% in 2001 to 14% in 2021, indicating a rapid shift towards an aging society [14] - The professor collected 364 narratives from families and medical staff to understand how death is discussed in Chinese culture [3][12] Group 2: Death and Dying in Chinese Society - The traditional model of end-of-life care in China is primarily family-based, while newer models include hospital-based palliative care, which is often misunderstood [17][19] - There is a stark contrast between the number of people receiving palliative care (less than 300,000 annually) and the millions suffering from terminal illnesses, highlighting a gap in care quality [19][21] - The professor emphasizes the importance of diverse end-of-life care models, including community-based approaches and traditional practices, rather than focusing solely on hospital care [21][23] Group 3: Cultural Perspectives on Death - The societal approach to death in China has shifted, with a growing tendency to avoid discussions about death, leading to a "barbaric" form of dying that lacks dignity [33][34] - The professor argues that the strong filial piety in Chinese culture often leads to decisions about end-of-life care being made by family members rather than respecting the wishes of the dying individual [28][30] - There is a call for a more nuanced understanding of death that incorporates traditional beliefs and practices, moving away from a singular, materialistic view of death [36][38]