Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "silver-haired ferry people," referring to elderly individuals who move to live with their children to help raise grandchildren, highlighting the emotional and psychological dynamics within these families [1][4][14] - It emphasizes the need for younger generations to understand and learn about elderly psychology to improve family relationships and communication [3][5][10] Group 1: Elderly Care and Family Dynamics - The term "silver-haired ferry people" was coined by Professor Chen Hui to describe elderly individuals who relocate to assist their children with childcare [1] - A sociological study conducted by Chen Hui involved interviews with 131 elderly individuals across various cities, revealing insights into their experiences and emotional needs [1][4] - The article points out that modern families often focus on the needs of children, neglecting the emotional value that elderly family members also require [3][4] Group 2: Intergenerational Relationships - The article discusses the concept of "middle-aged rebellion," where adult children resist parental control, often leading to conflicts within the family [5][6] - It highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological needs of elderly family members to resolve conflicts and improve family dynamics [3][7] - The lack of effective communication between elderly parents and their adult children is identified as a significant issue, often stemming from established communication patterns formed during childhood [8][9] Group 3: Educational and Parenting Challenges - The article addresses the pressures of modern parenting, particularly the phenomenon of "chicken parenting," where parents excessively focus on their children's education, leading to stress for both parents and children [10][11] - It suggests that parents should recognize the diminishing returns of intensive parenting strategies and allow children to take more responsibility for their own learning [11] - The need for a balanced approach to parenting that considers the well-being of both children and elderly family members is emphasized [10][12] Group 4: Gender Roles and Family Responsibilities - The article discusses the traditional gender roles within families, where women often bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities, both for children and elderly parents [12][13] - It calls for a reevaluation of these roles, advocating for shared responsibilities between partners to create a more equitable family dynamic [13][14] - The evolving nature of family structures and the potential for future generations to approach caregiving with a stronger sense of boundaries and self-awareness is also noted [14]

本文来自微信公众号：经济观察报 （ID：eeo-com-cn），作者：田进，题图来自：AI生成 在一次因琐事和儿媳妇争吵几句后，50多岁的商英负气回了老家，留下一句"我下次来，如果你还甩脸 子，不知道感恩，我就没有义务带孩子。" 2021年暑假，为了帮儿子儿媳照顾刚上学的孙子，商英从陕西农村赶赴西安，开启了老漂生活。三代人 共同生活，矛盾逐渐凸显。除了照顾一家人的生活起居外，商英还得适应儿媳妇的生活消费习惯。比 如，"忍受"儿媳妇把衣服四处乱丢或者购买一万多元的化妆品等。 除了每天都忙得心里发慌，商英也感觉失去了自我，浑身不舒适。 回到家后，邻居问她为何突然回来，她只能以"住不惯"来搪塞。但只在老家待了几天，她又开始操心孙 子的生活起居，计划着要重返"漂着"的生活。 "老漂族"是指从外地来到子女所在城市，帮子女看孩子、做家务的老人。2015年，国家卫计委（现国家 卫健委）发布的流动老人健康服务专题调查显示，流动老人占流动人口总量的7.2%。其中，照顾晚辈 生活的老漂族比例达43%。2020年，中国流动人口总量为3.76亿，如果依旧按照2015年比例计算，中国 老漂族超过1100万人。 他们是子女所在城市的陌生 ...

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].

在不少农村家庭里，妻子进城当"老漂"，丈夫留在老家，这种现象已越来越常见。 随着城市化加快，大龄流动人口中出现了"单漂"现象。所谓"单漂"，指家中只有一位老人进城打工或帮儿女照顾孩子，另一位则留守老家，守着房子和土 地。 据《中国流动人口发展报告》统计，全国60岁及以上流动人口约1800万人，其中800万人因照顾孙辈而迁移，女性占比超过七成。换句话说，进城的多是 女性，男性往往选择留下。 至于原因，西北农林科技大学教授陈辉在研究大量"老漂族"案例后发现，即便闲着无事，许多老年男性也不愿随子女进城。离开熟人社会，他们"抽烟不 自由、说话不自由，做什么都受拘束"，有人甚至形容那种生活"像坐牢"。 当老伴进城后，这些老年男性如何一个人守着空房子度过漫长日夜？留守老家的生活，究竟是他们口中的自由与安逸，还是另一种形式的孤独？ 一、留在家乡的老年男性 清晨五点半，天仍是灰蒙蒙的，文伯却已独自醒来。 自从妻子离开老家，去城里帮儿子带娃一年多，他渐渐习惯了厨房里没有锅碗瓢盆的喧闹，不用被孩子半夜的哭声吵醒，耳边没有人催促唠叨的生活。文 伯煮了一碗清水挂面，下楼打开店门，坐在门口吃了起来。 在重庆西南的村镇，像文伯这样的老年 ...