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].

Core Viewpoint - The phenomenon of "old drifters" in China, where elderly individuals move to urban areas to assist their children with childcare and household duties, is increasingly common, leading to both benefits and conflicts within family dynamics [2][3][10]. Group 1: Demographics and Trends - The term "old drifters" refers to elderly individuals who relocate to cities to help their children with childcare and household tasks, with a significant portion of the elderly population participating in this trend [2][3]. - In 2020, the total floating population in China was 376 million, with an estimated 11 million elderly individuals acting as "old drifters" based on 2015 data [2][3]. - The elderly often face challenges adapting to urban life, including unfamiliar living conditions and social dynamics, which can lead to feelings of isolation and discomfort [3][7]. Group 2: Family Dynamics and Conflicts - Conflicts often arise from differing parenting philosophies between the elderly and younger generations, particularly regarding childcare practices and expectations [4][10]. - Many elderly individuals feel they are treated as outsiders in their children's homes, leading to a sense of confinement and lack of autonomy [7][11]. - The elderly often bear the brunt of childcare responsibilities, which can lead to physical and mental health issues due to the high demands placed upon them [4][14]. Group 3: Economic Implications - The reliance on "old drifters" significantly reduces childcare costs for families, as hiring professional caregivers can be prohibitively expensive [12][13]. - In urban areas, the average monthly salary for a nanny can exceed 7,000 yuan, making the support of elderly family members a more economical option for many households [12][13]. - The presence of "old drifters" allows younger parents to maintain their careers, contributing to the overall economic stability of the family unit [6][15]. Group 4: Psychological and Social Aspects - Many elderly individuals experience feelings of loneliness and neglect, as their emotional needs are often overlooked by busy family members [14][20]. - Despite the challenges, some elderly individuals find joy in being close to their grandchildren and participating in family life, which can alleviate feelings of isolation [8][14]. - The psychological health of "old drifters" is a growing concern, with some experiencing depression due to the pressures of their roles within the family [14][21]. Group 5: Future Considerations - The ongoing trend of urbanization and the increasing reliance on "old drifters" suggest that this demographic will continue to play a crucial role in family structures [12][21]. - There is a need for policies that address the welfare and mental health of elderly caregivers, ensuring they receive adequate support and recognition for their contributions [21].