Group 1 - Zhang Panpan has been working at the Heze Medical College Affiliated Hospital Nursing Center for six years, quickly adapting to the job due to the practical training received during her studies in elderly service and management [1] - Heze Medical College is one of the earliest medical schools in Shandong to offer elderly care-related programs, integrating teaching, research, and practical training through its nursing center [1] - The college has trained nearly 4,000 professionals in elderly care, with 95% of graduates working in the elderly care industry, highlighting the effectiveness of its educational programs [2] Group 2 - Heze Medical College has actively responded to social needs by establishing programs in health management, rehabilitation therapy, and traditional Chinese medicine, enhancing its professional offerings [3] - The college emphasizes the importance of serving local community development, sending over 10,000 graduates annually to various sectors, including healthcare and elderly care [3] - The college has directed efforts towards strengthening grassroots healthcare services, sending over 20,000 medical professionals to rural and community health institutions in the past three years [4]

Core Insights - The annual college entrance examination has concluded, and over 13 million candidates will soon choose their majors, with increasing interest in the elderly care industry due to its high employment rates and future growth potential [1] - The National Health Commission predicts that China will enter a severe aging phase around 2035, indicating a growing demand for professionals in elderly care [1] Group 1: Industry Potential - The elderly care market in China has significant potential, with a projected increase in demand for related professionals over the next decade [1] - Currently, there are only 2 million elderly care workers in China, while the actual demand is estimated to be as high as 30 million [17] Group 2: Professional Experiences - Students in elderly care programs report a stark contrast between their expectations and the realities of the job, including physical and emotional challenges [6][15] - Many students initially face stigma or embarrassment about choosing elderly care as a profession, with a significant number considering changing their majors [15] Group 3: Educational Structure - The elderly care curriculum includes practical courses on elderly health assessment, emergency care, and communication skills, but many instructors lack specific backgrounds in elderly care [13][36] - Newer programs are evolving to meet the demands of the industry, such as the shift towards "Smart Health and Elderly Care Services and Management" [19] Group 4: Job Market and Opportunities - The job market for elderly care professionals is expanding, with various roles beyond caregiving, including management and research positions [36][33] - There is a growing recognition of the need for diverse skill sets in elderly care, including therapeutic recreation and social work [20][22] Group 5: Societal Perceptions - There is a societal stigma associated with elderly care roles, often viewed as low-status jobs, which can deter potential candidates [17] - The industry faces challenges in changing public perceptions and increasing the appeal of elderly care professions to younger generations [19][45]