Health Talk: The caregiver of the tree of life

In this episode of "Health Talk," Peking University Professor Hu Yong shares his journey of balancing his professional life with the taxing demands of caring for his elderly, ailing parents.  

For Professor Hu, caregiving is more than just a duty; it is a fundamental human need that spans the entire life cycle, from childhood nurturing to assistance in old age. He says that no one can truly evade this role, which demands profound personal strength. Embracing the dual identity of "scholar and caregiver," he views this responsibility not just through a personal lens but as an unavoidable social role, shifting his focus to advocating for the millions who share his experience.

Hu's experience, particularly with his mother's Alzheimer's, has led him to recognize the isolation and exhaustion of the caregivers. Moving beyond his primary field of research, he advocates for a "care-oriented society" and systemic support, such as long-term care insurance and community-based services.  

He emphasizes that family caregivers, by undertaking this vital work, act as an essential social "bottom-line," without which the entire healthcare and social security system would collapse. Hu also extends this conversation to the importance of "death quality," arguing that the society should strive to ensure that the cared-for can achieve a peaceful and dignified end.

More than a personal account, Professor Hu's journey illuminates the necessity of systemic change and offers a crucial, intimate perspective on the dignity of life and death in China's rapidly aging society.

Executive Producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Directors: Li Yue, Xu Wen, Zhong Xia

Video editor: Li Yue

Text by Zhong Xia

Videographers: Liu Yuhao, Guo Huakang, Gao Peng

Cover photo: Zhu Shangfan, Du Chenxin 

Medical consultant: Luo Xiao