The Model and Development Trend of Mutual-aid Service for the Older Adults in Rural China

Abstract

Mutual-aid service for older adults is an innovative and effective way to solve the problems of the older adults care in urban and rural China. It is also necessary for the government to implement the national strategy responding to the rapid population aging. Based on the analyses of the main models and characteristics of mutual-aid service for older adults in rural China, by the methods of case analysis and qualitative data analysis, this research found that there were still some problems in the development of the mutual-aid service, such as the single form of service, lack of sustainable funds, the institutionalization of guarantee and low quality of service. The mutual-aid service should be adjusted and improved continuously from the perspective of full coverage, low cost and high efficiency, to promote the sustainable development of rural mutual-aid service in China in the future.