The Social Welfare Provision for the Elderly in Rural Areas of China: A Case Study in Da'an District of Zigong in Sichuan Province
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Abstract
This qualitative research aimed to 1) investigate the living conditions and challenges of the elderly in rural areas of Da'an District, Zigong City. 2) To analyze the social welfare provision to improve the quality of life of the elderly. This study involved a total of 16 key informants through purposive sampling. The research methods used to collect data in this study include document analysis and interviews. The data were analyzed by content analysis.
The study found that 1) the elderly population in Da'an District, China, lives in modest conditions and engages mostly in farming occupations. They are considered relatively underprivileged and rely on farming, their children's support, government allowances, and savings as their primary sources of income. Family care is the primary source of support for older people in rural areas, and they often opt to get medicine from a pharmacy to save money. They face economic difficulties due to insufficient income, lack of access to quality healthcare services, and limited opportunities for spiritual, cultural, and recreational activities, which leads to a sense of emptiness and loneliness. 2) Collaborative social welfare implementation among the government, community, and family support systems has been effective in providing social welfare for the elderly in rural areas, including basic housing units, free medical check-ups, monthly subsidies, winter clothing, essential food items, and mobility aids. This study highlights the effectiveness of collaborative governance in providing social welfare for the elderly in rural areas and can serve as a model for future policymaking and implementation in other areas.
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