Lonely in one's old age, that's a fate nobody wishes for. But in rural China, with so many young people heading to cities to find jobs, it has become a common sight. We now head to a small village in eastern China to get a glimpse of the difficulties faced by those left behind.

The days come and go with something of a sad monotony. Seventy-seven year old Xu Hong lives alone in this two-storey house. Her four children are all away busy working in the city.

Her meals are simple and modest. Although her children have long left home, they remain the center of her life.

Xu Hong said, "I'm using this cotton to make blanket for my grand-son. He's going to get married soon."

Xu's fate is shared by some 36-hundred others in this village. Almost half of the elderly population live alone and rarely see their family. Living alone - working alone- It has become a common sight in rural China.

"My two kids are also working away. They come home only twice a year, for the National Day Holidays, and at Spring Festival."

But more often than not, people here are proud of their children and their relative prosperity.

"They send money every month. Thanks to that, we even managed build a three-storey house."

But in a culture where family is the most important and elementary social bond, their children's absence is hard-felt.

"Of course I miss them. But they can't always ask for leave and come back. They just call us and tell us to keep healthy."

To keep them company, some villagers have volunteered to set up an Elderly Center where people can meet and talk.

"We have someone to talk to here. It's good. And sometimes, we can sing and dance. It's better than staying at home alone."

Classes are even available, teaching seniors how to stay in good shape and rear grand-children. Today, with more and more entertainment available, the center receives a growing number of people.

Such centers provide an essential community service, yet they are not widely available across the country. With the growing disparity between the countryside and the city, and more and more seniors left to live alone, people like Xu Hong can only wish that others like her can benefit from similar initiatives.