The average age of China's population is rising, and there's a growing sense the country isn't prepared for the disruption the demographic changes will bring.

Authorities have been looking at possible solutions, one of which is to expand the insufficient network of care systems for senior citizens. Private investment and foreign capital are being welcomed.

However, many feel if the issue isn't resolved soon, parents who lived through China's one-child policy could face isolation in their golden years.

From Family concerns to social responsibility

China never had to worry about elderly care until recently. Life expectancy had been hovering around 60 until a couple of decades ago.

Seniors had traditionally been supported and cared for by their families, but now helping them is turning into a public service responsibility. 

Fifty-eight-year-old Fan Jingyuan and her husband witnessed country's one-child policy in the 1980s. While she and her siblings took care of their parents, she doesn't expect to have the same support in her old age.

"My brothers and sisters would take turns to look after my mom. So it was not too much of a burden to me," Fan said.

China's younger generation are now migrating to big cities for employment and personal development.

Fan has also moved from her hometown in Shanxi to the Chinese capital to help her only son raise his family. But she knows it's not a permanent switch.

"I always want to leave Beijing. I can't relate to anything here. I will go back to my hometown when my grandson grows up," Fan said.

China's institutionalized senior care

China's limited elderly-care system has been primarily supported by public funds as part of seniors' basic social welfare needs. Those with physical challenges or with no income or family have been prioritized.

However, the government has recognized the limitations and is now looking to develop a much more comprehensive network.

Secretary of China-Asia Elderly Service Industry Committee Sun Yingjie mentioned that both the public and the private senior care services need to better their quality. The government is also now inviting private and foreign companies to help operate those government-funded senior care centers.

But due to China's long-held traditions, not everyone is keen on the idea of institutionalized elderly care.

Aging at home

Since 2016, Australian companies have been putting on regular road-shows in major Chinese cities, promoting their elderly care services.

One program provides professional home-care training to the workers in the sector.

"As we understand there are around one million workers in China's aged care sector. Many of them are seeking formal qualifications. Soon this mission, we will be seeking to connect some of the Australian leading aged care training and education providers with local potential commercial business partners, with industry associations. And of course, with government and policy makers to explore potential future partnerships," said Tim White, trade commissioner of Australian Trade and Investment Commission.

Senior care in China's new era

Taking care of one's parents used to be considered exercising "filial obedience" in Chinese society, but as China continues to develop and modernize, maintaining such a tradition seems impractical and inefficient.

But as Fan says, she'll be happy if her son and his family can visit her every now and again.