Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issue of inheritance for elderly individuals without legal heirs, highlighting the complexities and legal implications surrounding unclaimed estates in China [4][10][16]. Group 1: Inheritance Issues - The number of elderly individuals without heirs is increasing, leading to cases where their estates remain unclaimed [4][21]. - A notable case involved an elderly man in Shanghai, whose estate included approximately 1.3 million yuan in savings and insurance, with no legal heirs to inherit it [6][12]. - Legal disputes arise when distant relatives claim inheritance based on their caregiving roles, as seen in the case of the elderly man whose cousin sought to inherit due to his support during the man's life [7][11]. Group 2: Legal Framework - The Civil Code of the People's Republic of China stipulates that if there are no first-order heirs, second-order heirs may inherit, but distant relatives may claim a share if they provided care [10][11]. - Courts assess the caregiving contributions of relatives, considering both material and emotional support when determining inheritance rights [18][19]. Group 3: Changing Elderly Care Models - The article highlights a shift towards non-traditional elderly care arrangements, such as contractual agreements for care in exchange for inheritance, as exemplified by the case of an elderly man who arranged for a neighbor to care for him in exchange for his estate [20][24]. - This trend reflects a broader societal change where younger generations are exploring diverse options for elderly care, moving away from traditional family-based models [25][26].