Despite the growing number of nuclear families in big cities, the tradition for several generations to live under one roof is far from being outdated in China's rural areas, where most senior citizens still prefer living with their children and grandchildren.
In a recent survey among senior citizens in Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, some 96 percent of the respondents said they prefer to be under the care of their children, rather than going away to a senior citizens' center.
And their choice is always backed by their children, who closely observe traditional codes, in particular, the filial piety.
The Ma's is a big family in Haining County, east China's Zhejiang Province, with four generations under the same roof.
The great grandparents, both over 80, are immersed in happiness and enjoy good health, thanks to the love and care from their children and grandchildren.
The younger generations have made every effort to improve the quality of the old couple's life. They take up all the household chores, from farming, cooking, cleaning to caring for the old couple in time of sickness. From time to time, they would take theold couple to sightseeing tours.
Latest statistics show that 65 percent of the senior citizens in Haining are in rural areas. Most of them live with their sons, daughters and in-laws. Big families like the Ma's, therefore, have amounted to 152,000, and the number is still going up.
People tend to be more attached to their family as they grow old, said an expert on the aging issue.
"Besides, they wish to live with, or at least be close to, their children, and to help with domestic affairs as much as possible," he said.
"Life is enjoyable when you can share the weal and woe of the family," said an old couple, "We are so excited when a grandchild goes to college or gets married."
(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2001)
