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].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of rural areas in understanding contemporary Chinese economic and social development, highlighting the role of "maintaining-type villages" in providing elderly care and addressing the challenges of rural revitalization [2][5]. 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-type villages" is introduced, which are estimated to constitute about 80% of all villages, serving as crucial support for elderly care [4]. Group 2: Elderly Care in Rural Areas - Maintaining-type villages play a significant role in elderly care due to their complete grassroots organizational systems, which include village collectives and committees that are closely connected to the elderly [5]. - The article discusses the necessity of enhancing rural elderly care systems, suggesting that funds should be invested in local collective initiatives rather than merely providing pensions [6]. Group 3: Future Directions for Rural Elderly Care - Future strategies for improving rural elderly care should focus on integrating various forms of support, such as community care, mutual aid, and state pensions, to create a comprehensive elderly care system [6].