Why do older adults living alone in cities cease seeking assistance? A qualitative study in China

BMC Geriatrics

Guicheng Chen¹  Lan Luo²  Ni Gong³  Qianqian Du⁴  Jingyue Xie⁴  Meifen Zhang⁴  Qin Hu⁵  Yu Cheng⁶ 

[1] Guangzhou Tianhe District Qizhi Social Work Service Center;Huangpu District Hongshan Street Community Health Service Center;School of Nursing, Jinan University;School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University;School of Sociology and Anthropology, Sun Yat-Sen University;The Seventh Affiliated Hospital Sun Yat-Sen University;

关键词: Older people;    Living alone;    Assistance;    Long-term care;    Qualitative study;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12877-022-03217-x

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background Against the background of an aging population, older adults living alone in cities are increasingly dependent. However, their use of home and community-based services in China is unsatisfactory. This study attempted to figure out why older adults living alone in cities do not actively seek assistance in China. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted. A total of 29 older adults were recruited. Content analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Results Three themes were identified. (1) Desire for independence, despite hardship: The lives of older adults involve many inconveniences, but they preferred to solve problems by themselves, instead of asking for help; (2) Desire to not overburden jiaren (meaning family in Chinese): older adults did not want to disturb families or burden children with caring responsibilities. Moreover, previous experience of failing to obtain care made them reluctant to seek help from jiaren; (3) Desire to not bother wairen (meaning people other than family in Chinese): The lack of trust caused by being unfamiliar with wairen, and the fear of being a burden to others if they were not able to reciprocate, made older adults reluctant to seek help from wairen. Conclusions Changes in social, economic, and demographic structures have led to gradual failure of family care. Older adults accustomed to an “acquaintance society” have not yet adapted to seeking help from the community. When addressing the problem of care for older adults living alone in cities, it is important to focus on the profound impact of social change.

【 授权许可】

Unknown