陈辉研究"老漂"一族，是以自己的妈妈为起点的。陈辉的女儿刚刚出生时，妈妈随着正在念博士的他在上海漂过一段时间。后来，陈辉获得教职、在陕西 安家落户，妈妈又漂来陕西，开始对陈辉一家进行长期照料。 陈辉算了算，妈妈成为老漂已将近十个年头，他有时会感慨妈妈的变化。妈妈刚来陕西时还未及60岁，却在操劳中日渐衰老。他甚至有种感觉，60岁时的 妈妈比如今70岁的妈妈更疲劳、更显老。妈妈离开熟悉的生活环境，努力适应老漂这一身份，不仅需要应对家务和育儿的劳累，还需要面对老漂家庭里常 见的意见分歧和代际矛盾。 （图/电影《步履不停》） 老漂是家庭的摆渡人，更是中国城市化的摆渡人——老漂用自己的辛劳支撑了家庭的发展，为子代分忧，解决育儿之困；规模性老年流动人口 支撑了城市化进程中的家庭发展，而城市化不仅仅关乎在城市稳定就业，还关乎在城市有序生活，尤其是在养育孩子方面。许多年轻人表示， 没有老漂父母的支持，家庭生活根本运转不动。 哪怕像陈辉家这样，儿女对老漂的情绪和压力有充分的体察和觉知，这种压力仍是难以避免的。陈辉形容，老漂似乎永远在家里"上班"，他们也许无法将 烦恼表达得特别具体，可在一家多口、狭小拥挤的空间里，他们会变得压抑 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "old drifting" (老漂), where elderly individuals move to urban areas to support their children and grandchildren, highlighting the social dynamics and complexities of modern family structures in China [3][5]. Group 1: Understanding "Old Drifting" - The term "old drifting" refers to elderly individuals who relocate to cities to provide essential household support for their children, particularly in dual-income families [3][5]. - The research conducted by Chen Hui, a professor at Northwest A&F University, involved interviews with 131 individuals across various cities, revealing the hidden social value and complexities of the "old drifting" phenomenon [5][6]. Group 2: Family Dynamics - The article illustrates the intricate relationships within families, noting that mother-daughter dynamics can sometimes be more challenging than mother-in-law relationships, as expectations and emotional connections differ significantly [6][7]. - Chen Hui's findings indicate that the lack of shared living experiences between mothers and daughters can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts, highlighting the need for better communication and boundary-setting [7][8]. Group 3: Impact on Child-Rearing - The trend of "refined parenting" in urban areas has increased the demands on families, requiring significant time and financial investments in child-rearing, which often leads to reliance on elderly family members for support [9]. - The article emphasizes that the "old drifting" phenomenon is a response to the disconnection between urban occupational, educational, and family systems, creating anxiety around child-rearing for younger generations [9]. Group 4: Broader Implications - Chen Hui's book, "Silver Ferry People," aims to present the emotional experiences of different individuals within these family dynamics, encouraging readers to reflect on their roles and the challenges of parenting and education in contemporary society [9][11].

Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "old drifting" where elderly individuals, referred to as "silver ferry people," move to cities to assist their families, particularly in childcare and household tasks [1][4] - The research conducted by Chen Hui highlights the significant yet often overlooked role of these elderly individuals in modern family dynamics and urbanization in China [1][4] Group 1: The Role of Elderly in Family Support - Many elderly individuals provide crucial support to dual-income families, especially young women, by taking on household responsibilities such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare [1][4] - The term "old drifting" reflects a shift in family structures and the increasing reliance on elderly family members for domestic support [1][4] Group 2: Complex Family Dynamics - Chen Hui's research reveals that relationships between mothers and daughters can be as challenging as those between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, often due to differing expectations and boundaries [5][6] - The study indicates that the emotional dynamics within families can lead to tensions, particularly when elderly family members feel like they are in a subordinate role [5][6] Group 3: Changing Parenting Trends - The article notes a trend towards "fine parenting," where families invest significantly in child-rearing, leading to increased demands on elderly family members for support [7] - The challenges faced by dual-income families in managing childcare and household duties highlight the systemic issues within urban family life [7][6] Group 4: Broader Implications - Chen Hui emphasizes that the "old drifting" phenomenon is indicative of broader changes in family life and societal expectations in China, urging a reevaluation of roles within family structures [6][7] - The book "Silver Ferry People" aims to present the emotional experiences of different family members, encouraging readers to reflect on their own roles and challenges in family life [7][9]

Group 1 - The article discusses the impact of war and trauma on individuals, focusing on the works of author Zhang Ling, who is also a hearing rehabilitation specialist. Her experiences with veterans have influenced her writing, particularly in her stories that explore the aftermath of war and personal loss [4][5]. - Zhang Ling's novella "Xiao Han Ri Fang Cheng Ye" portrays a female journalist visiting a veteran, revealing the contrast between the veteran's heroic past during the war and his current struggles with isolation and silence in old age [4]. - The second novella, "Yi Hu Ji," reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic, depicting two women from different backgrounds who find solace in each other's company while caring for a limping fox, symbolizing the search for connection in a changed world [5]. Group 2 - The book "Notes toward a Supreme Fiction" by Wallace Stevens is highlighted as a significant work in modernist poetry, emphasizing the role of poetry in creating meaning in a world lacking ultimate beliefs. Stevens proposes three principles for poetry: abstraction, change, and the provision of pleasure [8][9]. - The collection includes over 150 representative poems from Stevens' career, showcasing his rich imagination and philosophical depth, often drawing inspiration from everyday life [8][9]. Group 3 - "The Geographer Drank His Earth" by Alexei Ivanov is noted for its portrayal of post-Soviet Russian life, focusing on a former biologist turned geography teacher who navigates personal and societal challenges with humor and resilience [12][16]. - The novel reflects on the courage and humility required to maintain a "living soul" amidst life's adversities, emphasizing the importance of love and conscience in daily life [12][16]. Group 4 - "The Iron Industry and the Converging Network of the Han Dynasty" by Lin Yongchang explores how iron production was intertwined with the political and economic systems of the Han Dynasty, revealing its role in the empire's governance and social structure [17]. - The book discusses the significance of iron in creating a vast network of communication and logistics that connected various political and economic regions, highlighting the impact of iron production on the empire's stability and growth [17]. Group 5 - "The Silver-haired Ferryman" by Chen Hui examines the phenomenon of "old drifting," where elderly parents move to cities to support their children's families, shedding light on their daily lives and emotional struggles [19][20]. - The book analyzes the complex adjustments of the "old drifting" group in terms of parenting, family relationships, and personal identity, illustrating their role in the evolving family structure amid rapid urbanization [19][20]. Group 6 - "Facing the End of Life: Compromises and Harmonies in Hospital Palliative Care" discusses the challenges of palliative care in China, emphasizing the need for improved definitions and practices in end-of-life care [22][23]. - The book presents case studies that highlight the difficult choices faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers in the context of limited resources and traditional views on death [22][23]. Group 7 - "In the Age of Great Disasters" reflects on Japan's historical earthquakes and the societal responses to disaster recovery, emphasizing the tension between restoring the past and creating a better future [25]. - The author, who participated in post-disaster reconstruction efforts, outlines the phases of disaster response and the ideological conflicts surrounding recovery efforts [25]. Group 8 - "The Orchid Phenomenon" by Jim Endersby explores the cultural significance of orchids in Western history, linking them to themes of sexuality, death, and beauty [27][28]. - The book discusses the commercial popularity of orchids and their symbolic meanings throughout history, while also addressing the threats they face due to human activities [27][28].