Core Insights - The rural elderly population in China aged 60 and above is approximately 120 million, with a less developed elderly care service system compared to urban areas [1] - During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, efforts are being made to address the shortcomings in rural elderly care services, with a focus on building a three-tiered service system at the county, township, and village levels [1] Group 1: Daytime Care Centers - In Shanxi Province, a daytime care center in Taocun Town has become a hub for elderly activities, with an average participant age of 73 [1] - The center provides meals and entertainment, along with over 20 beds for elderly residents in need of care [3] - There are now over 120,000 such daytime care centers nationwide, serving as convenient support stations for the elderly [3] Group 2: Community Living Solutions - In Nanping City, Fujian Province, vacant houses in rural areas are being repurposed into elderly care facilities to address the needs of solitary and left-behind elderly individuals [3] - The "Happiness Community" primarily accommodates elderly residents aged 60 to 80 who are capable of self-care, enhancing their living conditions [5] - The community offers meal services, recreational activities, and health management, including regular health check-ups and educational sessions [5]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving perceptions of rural parents regarding retirement and social security, highlighting the challenges faced by the younger generation in bridging the gap between traditional reliance on family and modern social security systems [1][18]. Group 1: Rural Life and Economic Conditions - The idyllic rural lifestyle has low living costs, with families being self-sufficient in food and resources, leading to minimal discussions about retirement planning among older generations [2][4]. - Many rural parents, having grown up in times of scarcity, prioritize immediate financial needs over future security, resulting in a lack of awareness about retirement planning [4][5]. Group 2: Social Security Awareness and Participation - There is a growing awareness among the younger generation about the importance of social security, with many actively seeking ways to improve their parents' retirement benefits [5][6]. - The gradual increase in the minimum contribution for urban and rural residents' pension insurance reflects national efforts to enhance retirement security, yet there remains a significant gap in understanding among the populace [6][9]. Group 3: Personal Experiences and Strategies - The article shares personal anecdotes of individuals navigating the complexities of pension contributions for their parents, emphasizing the need for higher contributions to secure better retirement benefits [10][12]. - The process of convincing parents to increase their pension contributions often involves detailed planning and communication, showcasing the role of the younger generation as intermediaries in understanding and implementing social security policies [17][21]. Group 4: Societal Changes and Responsibilities - The shift from relying on land and children for support to understanding and trusting modern social security systems represents a significant transformation for rural families [18][20]. - The younger generation, particularly rural only daughters, are taking on dual responsibilities of child-rearing and elder care, acting as bridges between rural and urban settings amid rapid societal changes [20][21].

凌晨一点的山东菏泽，整个村庄已经在黑夜中沉睡，但其中一家屋子灯却还大亮着。 居住环境。图片由作者提供 村东侧一个不到十平米的低矮小屋内，一个消瘦的女人半弯着腰，双手推着老父亲身体一侧，用巧劲帮他从平躺变成侧身，然后她将盆里的热毛巾拧成半 干，在手上绕几圈成拳击手套状，开始来回擦拭他的后背，接着是大腿、腹股沟……最后是隐私处。 这是我65岁的母亲张秀梅在帮86岁失能外公擦身。 擦身是一个力气活，也是个心理活。从最开始力气小的都抬不起父亲的大腿，到现在一个人能帮助他翻身。从最开始帮父亲带成人纸尿裤都十分难为情， 到现在能面无表情地帮他清理隐私处。 这前后巨大的改变，农村妇女张秀梅只用了半年。 父亲倒下，儿女打架 三妹妹远嫁，来回不方便，但可以提供部分经济支持。 问起外公的病，母亲也不知道具体是什么情况。她只记得她去看望外公时，他已经倒下了，旁边有石磨那么大一滩血。 她当时吓了一跳，赶紧找来住在隔壁的舅舅，将外公送到镇上的卫生院。 一查，胃癌晚期，有意识，但只能卧床，顶多一年好活。花钱治的话，能延长半年到一年的寿命。 舅舅当即拍板，不治。 母亲对舅舅的如此痛快很有些不舒服，但想到自己也承担不了全部的治疗费用，也就没 ...

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].