Last Sunset
2 0 2 2 Linghui Li
Design to alleviate social isolation for Chinese elderly
Last Sunset Design to alleviate social isolation for Chinese elderly A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Design in Interior Studies [Adaptive Reuse] in the Department of Interior Architecture of the Rhode Island School of Design By Linghui Li 2022
Approved by Master’s Examination Committee:
Ernesto Aparicio Senior Critic, Department of Graphic Design, Consultant: Graphic Design
Markus Berger Professor, Department of Interior Architecture, Secondary Thesis Advisor
Yaminay Chaudhri Assistant Professor, Department of Interior Architecture, Primary Thesis Advisor
Eduardo Benamor Duarte Associate Professor, Department of Interior Architecture, Secondary Thesis Advisor & Thesis Chair
Nick Haus Heywood Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Adviser: Writing and Thesis Book
Wolfgang Rudorf Department Head, Department of Interior Architecture
Copyright © 2022 Linghui Li All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
Acknowledgements: Paul Mayencourt Critic, UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design, Consultant: Structure and Materials Stephen Turner Critic, Department of Interior Architecture, Consultant: Energy, Systems and Sustainability Gary Epstein-Lubow Guest Critic, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior. Brown University School of Public Health, Associate Professor of Health Services, Policy and Practice Consultant: Psychology of Aging and loneliness
Thankful to my family Zhongfan Tian, Rongchen Sun, Dongsheng Li, Xiaodi Sun, Yingying Zhang and Shuhong Sun for being the motivation and support me throughout the thesis.
“远亲不如近邻”《水浒传》施耐庵 “A good neighbor is better than family
member far away” Water Margin, Shi Nai'an When there is an emergency and need help, the distant relatives are not as able to provide timely help as the nearby neighbors.
Contents 12. Abstract 14. Motivation
16
34
Chinese Older Adults
Jilin Grocery Woker Housing
28. Who Are the Elderly in China?
37. Context
20. Family Structure
38. Site Map
26. Psychology
42. Housing Reform
28. Social Isolation and Loneliness
44. Formation Process
30. How to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults?
46. Complex Condition
USER GROUP
SITE ANALYSIS
48. Demographic 32. Physical Activities 50. Resident Survey and Interview
64
102
Alleviate Social Isolation
Literature & Sources
66. Design Concept
104. Annotated Bibliography
68. Analysis
108. Image credits
DESIGN PROPOSAL
74. Design Logic 76. Concept Model 80. Function Diagram 84. Plan 90. Walking Area 94. Four Seasons Scene 98. Rendering
CITATION
Abstract China has one of the fastest aging populations in the world. The country’s rapid economic development and urbanization have separated millions of older adults from their children, leading to empty nest families where the elderly must fend for themselves without assistance. Design in the modern era caters to the younger generation with more consumption power while neglecting the needs of these older adults. In China, from the moment a child is born, confinement centers, preschools, and tutoring institutions, those venues are common throughout the urban fabric. Which spaces are mainly designed for the Chinese elderly? Besides meeting necessary physical needs such as medical treatment, what is lacking to meet the needs of this swiftly growing demographic? Jilin Grocery Worker Housing is a microcosm of the overall situation in China, with 60 percent of senior adult residents who are in retirement. Most live alone or with their spouses on a limited economic income. This thesis proposes to understand and categorize elderly leisure activities to create a functional public space that fosters the connection between people. Architecture has the power to prevent or eliminate potential loneliness by promoting internal interaction between residents and encouraging spontaneous socializing among senior adults. The design also demonstrated that the space designed with the elderly as its main user group will also integrate people voluntarily to enrich daily lives and bring happiness to participants.
12
13
Motivation I have close relationships with my maternal grandparents and they would talk to me about their old stories with friends, and always feel sad about falling out of touch with their friends. By moving from place to place, they become increasing lonley as they leave their friends and familiar condition. Family is all they have now to talk to, but they still need to talk to people of their ages.
Take care of granddaughter When I was born, my grandparent parents just retired. My parents and I live in another city, Changchun. Because my parents are busy at work, I was sent to live with them in Siping. They started to take care of me full-time until I went to kindergarten.
Grandparents Friends Family Meet at least once a week Meet two or once a year
14
The last photo after moving Some of their friends chose to move to their children’s city to live with them, or they needed to live in the hospital due to illness. It's getting harder and harder for them to get together.
Before the demolition the old house
Work migration
After 38 years living in this small cozy house, my
My grandparent parents left their hometown to work
grandmother and her siblings moved out for marriage or
in Siping. They lived in the apartment assigned by
work migration.
their company. Because it is worker housing, they live with their colleagues, developing a very harmonious relationship as colleagues and neighbors.
Last Sunset During the 14 years of residence in Qiushi (name of apartment community), their relationship was very harmonious. There will be a dinner once a month, three Mahjong days per week. There was daily exercise activities in the community, and they often went to tourist spots in Changchun.
Family gathering
Old friends
The New Year is the busiest time at home; my grandpa
They trust talking on the phone more than use other
can play Majiiang with his children. Although the whole
electronic products. This is the most important way of
family gathering is not frequent, still brings them
contacting their friends.
happiness.
15
USER GROUP CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Who Are the Elderly in China? "Aging is the natural phenomenon of becoming older.
Over the next three decades, the global number of
It is a biological and social construct involving dynamic
older people is projected to more than double, reaching
changes to the biological, psychological, physiological,
over 1.5 billion people in 2050. Globally, there were 703
environmental and behavioural processes." 2
million older people aged 65 or over in 2019.4 While our aging population is a problem worldwide, China is
An older person is defined by the United Nations as a
facing a severe rapidly aging population. China is home
person who is over 60 years of age. However, families
to nearly a quarter of the world’s population age 60 or
and communities often use other sociocultural referents
older, which is projected to double over the next two
to define age, including family status (grandparents),
decades. 5 3
physical appearance, or age-related health conditions.
Proportion of population aged 65 years or over in China Proportion of population aged 65 years or over in China
2019 2019
2030 2030
Region, development Region, development group country or area group country or area
Population aged 65 years Population aged 65 years or over (thousands) or over (thousands) 2019 2023 2019 2023 164 487 246 986 164 487 246 986 1 301 2 072 1 72 301 2148 072 3 72 594 5148 611 3 594 5 611
China China Hong Kong SAR China, China, Macao Hong Kong China, SAR SAR China, Taiwan Macao SAR China, China, Taiwan Source: World Population Aging 2019, the United Nations Source: World Population Aging 2019, the United Nations
2
“Functional Age,” American Psychological Association (American Psychological Association), accessed February 22, 2022, https://dictionary.apa.org/functional-age. 3 “World Population Ageing 2019 Highlights,” World Population Ageing 2019, 2019, https://doi.org/10.18356/9df3caed-en.
18
4 5
Ibid. Ibid.
Percentage aged 65 Percentage aged 65 years or over years or over 2019 2023 2019 2023 11.5 16.9 11.5 16.9 17.5 25.8 17.5 25.8 11.2 20.3 11.2 20.3 15.1 23.4 15.1 23.4
Retirement Age After retirement elderly people are no longer playing a social role as a worker like the rest of society. "The statutory retirement age and pension age is 60 for men in both the public and private sectors, and 55 for women in the public sector, and 50 for those in the private sector." 6 Retirement significantly affects the social life and 5etirement&ertificate
social participation of the elderly. Retirement means the reduction of social contact, and creates longer idle hours.
Senior Citizen Card Senior Citizen Card is another way straightforward way to identify elderly people in China. China mainland residents were average at aged 60 or above could apply for Senior Citizen Card（老年优
7 待证 ). Thecardholdercouldavailofmanybenefits
from society. The card allows older adults to take free Jilin Senior Citizen Card
bus travel, entry to museums and parks and makes me eligible for discounts at various service facilities. In Hong Kong; Taiwan and Macao residents who aged 65 or above and holders of the local Resident Identity Card can apply for the Senior Citizen Card. 8 9 10
“国务院关于颁发《国务院关于安置老弱病残干部的暂行办法》 和《国务院关于工人退休、退职的暂行办法》的通 . State Council Circular on Issuing ‘State Council Temporary Measures on Providing for Old, Weak, Sick, and Handicapped Cadres’ and ‘State Council Temporary Measures on Workers' Retirement, Resignation’ (Chinese Text),” Commission on China (State Council Circular, February 24, 1979), https://www.cecc.gov/ resources/legal-provisions/state-council-circular-on-issuingstate-council-temporary-measures-on. 7 “ 老年证 _ 百度百科 .” 百度百科 . Baidu, 2021. https://baike. baidu.com/item/%E8%80%81%E5%B9%B4%E8%AF%81/4873414. 6
8
“- Senior Citizen Card Scheme.” Social Welfare Department Senior Citizen Card Scheme. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. 2021. https://www.swd.gov.hk/ en/index/site_pubsvc/page_elderly/sub_csselderly/id_seniorciti/ 9 “What Are the Requirements and Services of Taipei Card?” Taipei City Government. Taipei City Government. 2021. https:// english.gov.taipei/News_Content.aspx?n=1C34A9B4CB691D24& s=3E1DF685DE3CA13F. 10 “Senior Citizens Card.” Social Welfare Bureau of MSAR Government. Governo da Raem Instituto de Acção Social, 2021. http://www.ias.gov.mo/en/swb-services/elderly-service/seniorcitizens-card.
19
Family Structure The timeline shows how rapid industrialization, increasing migration, policy and economic mobility cause family structure changes and how it affects the lives of the current elderly. The research mainly focuses on the Silent Generation who were born between 1925 to 1945 and Baby Boomer Generation who were born between 1946-1964. As of 2022, their age was 58 years or above. The most recent census of China in 2021 reveals that the population of 60 years and over is 264.02 million, accounting for 18.70% (Among them, the population of 65 and over is 190.64 million, accounting for 13.50%). Compared with 2010, the proportion of the population aged 60 and above increased by 5.44% 11
1925 -1945 Silent Generation
1930
1946 -1964 Baby Boomer Generation
1940
1950
Generation X
1960
1970
1953 Chinese census
1964 Chinese census
Total population:
Total population:
601,938,035 15
723,070,269 15
person/household
person/household
4.33
“第七次全国人口普查公报（第五号）,” 国家统计局 National Bureau of Statistics ( 国家统计局 国务院第七次全国人口普查领 导小组办公室 , May 11, 2021), http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/tjgb/ rkpcgb/qgrkpcgb/202106/t20210628_1818824.html. 12 “人口普查公报 ,” 国家统计局 (National Bureau of Statistics, December 2, 2001), http://www.stats.gov.cn/tjsj/tjgb/rkpcgb/. 13 “The 43rd Statistical Report on the Development of China’s Internet.” China Internet Network Information Center, 2019. http://cnnic.cn/gywm/xwzx/rdxw/20172017_7056/201902/ t20190228_70643.htm empty-nest elderly. Arch Gerontol Geria, 2012.
1965 - 1979
4.43
11
20
14
Man-Chung Cheung, “How China Is Closing the Digital Divide for Seniors,” Insider Intelligence (Insider Intelligence, April 5, 2021), https://www.emarketer.com/content/how-china-closingdigital-divide-seniors. 15 “Basic Statistics on National Population Census in 1953, 1964, 1982, 1990 and 2000,” China Statistics Census (National Bureau of Statistics of China, 1984), https://www.allcountries. org/china_statistics/4_4_basic_statistics_on_national_population. html#google_vignette.
Work Migration
Technology and the Digital Divide
Enormous migration has stimulated
Digital life brings benefits to people, however, many elderly believe that they
the industrial transfer of labour and
are excluded from the online environment.
economic growth, and contributed to China’s social change and
By December 2017, Internet users aged 60 and older accounted for 5.2% of all Internet users and only 16.7% of the total population of the elderly.13 Most
institutional reform.
senior citizens lack the digital literacy required to access basic services at
China is experiencing the largest
banks, hospitals, and public transport. Due to the Covid pandemic, the elderly
migration of population in human
have dificulties with the “health” QR code that identiffies their contagion risk
history. The results of the sixth
based on their digital and physical footprints. Another inconvenience was
national census show that China has
dealing with cashless businesses. QR code-based mobile payments, most
a floating population of 221 million.12
elderly enabled by Alibaba’s Alipay and Tencent’s WeChat, have revolutionized commerce in recent years. 14
1978 - 1983 Early Reform The Planned Commodity Economy
1984 - 1991 Economic Reform Market Economy
1992 - 1997 Development Increased Living Standard
1998 - 2005 Development Burgeoning Commercial Society
2005+ Development Economic Progressivism Age: 77+ Silent Generation Age: 58+ Baby Boomer Generation
1980
1980 - 2000
2000 +
Generation Y
Generation Z
1990
2000
2010
2020
1982 Chinese census
1990 Chinese census
2000 Chinese census
2010 Chinese census
2020 Chinese census
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
1,031,882,511 15
1,160,017,381 15
1,295,330,000 15
1,370,536,875 15
1,411,778,724 15
person/household
person/household
person/household
person/household
person/household
4.41
3.96
3.44
3.10
2.32
21
“4-2-1”
“8-4-2-1”
“4-2-1” family type happens after just two generations
Continue this pattern an additional generation, the
which means an only child begotten by only children.19
8-4-2-1 phenomenon may become more common as
As a result, he or she would not have siblings, cousins,
generations continue.20 Young people are not only under
uncles, or aunts, but only direct lineal ancestors. Another
pressure from work, but they also need to care for their
issue of particular concern is that the disability or death
families as well. As a result, some elderly people are not
of an only child can inflict enormous pain and incurable
able to get enough mental and physical care from their
trauma on their parents.
children.
1925 -1945 Silent Generation
1930
1946 -1964 Baby Boomer Generation
1940
1950
1965 - 1979 Generation X
1960
1970
1953 Chinese census
1964 Chinese census
Total population:
Total population:
601,938,035 15
723,070,269 15
person/household
person/household
4.33
4.43
16
“Information Office of the State Council Of the People's Republic of China,” Family planning in China (Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Lithuania, August 1995), https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/ce/celt/eng/zt/zfbps/t125241.htm.
“全国人大常委会关于修改人口与计划生育法的决定 .” 全国人大常 委会关于修改人口与计划生育法的决定 _ 中国人大网 . The National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China, December 27, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20170930165720/http:// www.npc.gov.cn/npc/xinwen/2015-12/28/content_1957359. htm. 17
22
18
Xia Hua, “China Focus: China Adopts Law Amendment Allowing Couples to Have 3 Children,” XINHUANET ( 新华网 , August 20, 2018), http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2021-08/20/c_1310139385. htm. 19 Veronikia Marvalová, “One Child Policy in China,” HÁSKÓLI ÍSLANDS, July 2018, pp. 15-16, https://skemman.is/ bitstream/1946/31608/1/One%20Child%20Policy%20in%20 China%20-%20VM.pdf.
1978 - 1983 Early Reform The Planned Commodity Economy
1984 - 1991 Economic Reform Market Economy
Three-child policy 2021
stability.16
China had permitted all couples to have up to two children in 2016 by scrapping the decades-old
Two-child policy 2016
One-child Policy 1979
The One-Child Policy in China was implemented by the central government of China in order to limit the size of the majority of family units in China to one child each. The aim was to reduce the growth rate of China's enormous population to maintain economic growth, natural resources, and
one-child policy. 17
1992 - 1997 Development Increased Living Standard
1998 - 2005 Development Burgeoning Commercial Society
Communist Party of China (CPC) approved a relaxation of the strict two-child policy and allowed all couples to have up to three children.18
2005+ Development Economic Progressivism Age: 77+ Silent Generation Age: 58+ Baby Boomer Generation
1980
1980 - 2000
2000 +
Generation Y
Generation Z
1990
2000
2010
2020
1982 Chinese census
1990 Chinese census
2000 Chinese census
2010 Chinese census
2020 Chinese census
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
Total population:
1,031,882,511 15
1,160,017,381 15
1,295,330,000 15
1,370,536,875 15
1,411,778,724 15
person/household
person/household
person/household
person/household
person/household
4.41
3.96
3.44
3.10
2.32
20
“One-Child Policy,” Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation, July 31, 2010), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=376361912.
23
“空巢老人”
"Empty Nesters" "Empty nesters ( 空巢老人 ) " refers to Chinese senior
citizens in a family without children around, including both the married and the widowed.21
“留守老人”
"Left-behind Elderly" “Left-behind Elderly ( 留守老人 )" refers to those who
have stayed in their hometown in spite of their children leaving as migrants in China.22
23
Deependra Kaji Thapa et al., “Migration of Adult Children and Mental Health of Older Parents ‘Left behind’: An Integrative Review,” PLOS ONE 13, no. 10 (2018), https://doi. org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205665. 22 Ibid. 21
24
Ye Chang et al., “Comprehensive Comparison between Empty Nest and Non-Empty Nest Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study among Rural Populations in Northeast China,” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 9 (2016): p. 857, https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph13090857.
With the accelerated aging of China's population, the increase in average life expectancy, and the reduction in family size, empty-nest families have gradually become the main form of existence of elderly families in China. According to data, in China, the percentage of people aged ≥60 years was 11% of the total population in 2005. The empty nest families, in which there is only an elderly couple or one old person, increase year by year. In 2014, one survey conducted by China National Committee on Ageing announced that empty-nesters accounted for 51.1% of the elderly in China. It is estimated that the proportion of empty nest elderly households will reach 90% by 2030, while all our elderly families will be “of the empty nest”. 23
25
Psychology Compared to their younger adults, elderly are usually at a higher risk of developing psychiatric problems. 24 A number of studies have explored the influence of adult children's migration on the health of older parents left behind, with some studies reporting a significant adverse effect on their mental health.25 The elderly live alone or only with a spouse and may experience anxiety, depression, guilt, and loneliness; the so-called ‘empty nest syndrome’.26 Empty nest syndrome is defined by the Chinese Journal of Public Health as parents having feelings of sadness and loss when their children have moved away and they have no spouse or other relatives living together. Empty-nest elderly, as one of the most vulnerable groups in our country, are at high risk of depression because of their special physical and mental health status.27
24
Corey L. Keyes, Dov Shmotkin, and Carol D. Ryff, “Optimizing Well-Being: The Empirical Encounter of Two Traditions.,” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 82, no. 6 (2002): pp. 10071022, https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.82.6.1007. 25 Deependra “Migration of Adult” 26 Deependra “Migration of Adult”
Can-qing Yu, Xiao-yan Sun, and Li-ming Li, “ 空巢老人抑郁症 及其影响因素研究进展 : Prevalence and Influencing Factor of Depression among Empty-Nest Elderly: a Systematic Review,” Chinese Journal of Public Health 17, no. 11 (January 2018), https:// doi.org/10.11847/zgggws1112521. 27
26
Back Home Often "Back Home Often" is a Public Service advertisement produced by CCTV(China Central Television). The story is about a mother preparing dinner and expecting her children to back home. However, the children haphazardly check in on the mother, and hang up the phone hurriedly to continue their own lives and told the mom they could not go home for dinner. The final shot of the ad shows the mother sitting on the sofa alone, facing the TV in a daze. This advertisement was on air around 2004, calling for more contact between children and their senior parents. With rapid development of society has caused their children to bear more life pressure, parents and children have not maintained close contact. The advertisement reflects the fact that elderly people's psychological feelings are ignored. In modern chinese society, many seniors do not suffer from a lack of resources but from a lack of attention and company.
27
Social isolation and Loneliness Studies consistently show that loneliness and social isolation negatively affect health, mental health, and mortality, particularly for older adults.29 Long-term loneliness and social isolation are associated with a wide variety of physical, mental, and physiological health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, depression, substance use, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, cognitive decline, progression of dementia, stroke and premature death.30 Loneliness and social isolation among older individuals are major public health concerns, leading some to refer to them as the next “vital signs” for older adults.31
"Social Isolation" The objective state of having few social relationships or infrequent social contact with others.
"Loneliness" Refers to a subjective feeling of being isolated28
28
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunitiies for the Health Care System (Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2020). 29 Ibid. 30 Louise C. Hawkley and John T. Cacioppo, “Loneliness Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of Consequences and Mechanisms,” Annals of Behavioral Medicine 40, no. 2 (July 22, 2010): pp. 218-227, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8. 31 Ibid. 32 “Reducing Loneliness and Social Isolation among Older Adults,” Settings | suicide prevention resource center (Suicide Prevention Resource Center and EDC, July 2020), https://www.sprc.org/settings/pdf/dicussion20.pdf.
28
Factors that Lead to Loneliness In life, social isolation and loneliness can appear episodic or chronic, depending on an individual's circumstances and perceptions. Research has shown that several factors may influence loneliness among older persons. 32
low social support
low socioeconomic status
The social security system is constantly improving, but there are still some shortcomings. The government is not equipped with a comprehensive welfare system. 33 For example, the coverage of elderly activity centers is not proportional to the elderly population in China.
The low income of some elderly prevents them from receiving adequate pensions. For instance, in the interview with residents of the Jinlin Grocery Worker Housing. Shufen Wang used to enjoy square dancing, but now she hasn't participated for a long time because she cannot afford the extra fee that organizers charge for playing music, dance costumes, and tuition.
unhelpful thoughts about social situations
limited access to social interactions
Lonely have negative thoughts (also called cognitions) about others and evaluate social situations in extreme or unhelpful ways. 34 Some individuals have limited trust in other people, which may contribute to social isolation and feelings of loneliness.
The absence of definite engagements in activities after retirement, which creates longer idle hours, may make the elderly feel empty, particularly if they fail to adjust their schedules and make good arrangements. The feeling of emptiness is likely to bring about insomnia and disturbance, which adds to the disinterest, disappointment, and pessimism of the elderly.
33
34
Sun Luna, “China Population: without Adequate Pensions, More Elderly Say Goodbye to Their Golden Years,” China Macro Economy, December 15, 2021, https://www.scmp.com/economy/ china-economy/article/3159689/china-population-withoutadequate-pensions-more-elderly-say.
Zheng OUYANG, “The Well-Being of the Elderly Living in Their Own Homes : Application of the Person-Environment Fit Theory 北京市居家養老的老年人幸福感研究 : 基於人與環境理論的視角 ” (Hong Kong: CityU Scholars, 2015), pp. 12-18.
29
How to Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults? Many older adults are prevented and alleviated of loneliness through leisure activities.35 Volunteer work, cultural activities, and shopping are among the leisure activities which reflect the social connectedness among older persons.36 Participation in leisure activities such as hobbies, regular contacts with friends, have been known to prevent and alleviate loneliness and lead to greater well-being among older adults regardless of age, gender, and marital status.37
35
ICATTAN, MIMA, MARTIN WHITE, JOHN BOND, and ALISON LEARMOUTH. “Preventing Social Isolation and Loneliness among Older People: a Systematic Review of Health Promotion Interventions.” Ageing and Society 25, no. 1 (2005): 41–67. doi:10.1017/S0144686X04002594. 36 Ibid. 37
Sherry L. Dupuis and Bryan J.A. Smale, “An Examination of Relationship between Psychological WellBeing and Depression and Leisure Activity Participation among Older Adults,” Loisir Et Société / Society and Leisure 18, no. 1 (1995): pp. 67-92, https://doi.org/10.1080/07053436.1995.10715491.
30
Elderly Entertainment The photograph, “elderly entertainment” by Newman
This is a naturally formed space by the elderly. The
Chow records elderly people playing poker and enjoying
elderly are seated on different chairs, brought from their
their leisure time on the street. In China, it is common
home or elsewhere. By occupying this space, they are
to see the elderly using public spaces for activities and
meeting their needs of daily social interaction.
gatherings. Street tree canopies can provide cooling and urban comfort space for older adults.
31
Physical Activities In 1999, the importance of social participation was emphasized again in the issue of "active aging" advocated by the World Health Organization.38 Social participation, together with health and safety, are part of the core strategy for dealing with the challenges of aging. There has been an increase in research on leisure in Chinese culture and how it leads to happiness or better quality of life. Studies have shown that leisure activities contribute to happiness and improved well-being among the Chinese elderly.39 These activities include taking part in community activities, square dancing, playing cards/ Mahjong, and communicating with neighbors and friends.
The frequency of social participation of the elderly aged 60 or over in China percentage (%)
once a day
once a week
at least once a week
Recreational activities Meet friends
45.8
21.1
66.9
Community activities
37.8
28.2
66.0
Go to a park or other place
74.5
10.3
84.8
Club or group
13.8
24.6
38.5
Attend a training course or go to school
16.5
46.7
63.2
8.6
14.9
23.5
Service activities Provide help to friends or neighbor Take care of the illness or disabled
14.7
13.5
28.1
Volunteer
11.2
15.1
26.3
60.2
13.4
73.6
Other activities Speculate in stocks Play computer games
81.6
5.9
87.5
Other
35.8
34.5
70.3
Source: China Health Retirement Report
38
“World Report on Ageing and Health,” World Health Organization (World Health Organization, January 1, 1970), https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/186463. 39 Xinxin Chen et al., “China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS),” Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population Aging, 2021, pp. 948-956, https://doi. org/10.1007/978-3-030-22009-9_333. 40 “Square Dancing (China),” Wikipedia (Wikimedia Foundation, November 30, 2020), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Square_dancing_(China). 41 Chen, Xinxin, James, John, Yafeng, and Yaohui. “China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).”
32
Walking “遛弯 / 走圈 / 散步”
Square Dancing “广场舞”
activities (70-85%). With no time or place restrictions,
performed to music in squares, plazas or parks. It is
walking is a flexible leisure activity that can be done
popular with middle-aged and retired women who
alone or with friends. According to the study, walking has
have been referred to as "dancing grannies" has been
many benefits for older people and recommends seniors
estimated to have over 100 million practitioners,
age 65 and older should get 30 minutes on most days of
according to CCTV.40
The elderly are most likely to participate in walking
Square dancing or plaza dancing is an exercise routine
the week.
Play Cards/ Mahjong “棋牌游戏”
Communication with Neighbors“串门”
Mahjong, a fast-paced tile game originating in ancient
Communication with neighbors and friends is the most
China, presents an opportunity for socialization and a
popular of all social participation methods, with an
popular pastime among Chinese.
overall participation rate of 24.2%, which is nearly onequarter of the survey sample and the only type of activity with a participation rate of more than 15%.41
33
SITE ANALYSIS JILIN GROCERY WORKER HOUSING
Jilin Grocery Worker Housing, No.529 Changjiu Rd, Chaoyang District Changchun,Jilin 吉林省食品大院
吉林省长春市朝阳区长久路 529 号
Context
Changchun City Plan Map (2014)
Changchun Changchun is located in the middle of the Northeast 2
China Plain, with a total are of 20,571 km . Changchun has a four-season, humid, monsoon-influenced climate. The winter (lasting from November to March) is very cold because cold air masses of Siberian origin prevail. However, given
Changchun is the capital city of Jilin Province of the People's Republic of China. The name of the city means "long spring" in Chinese. During WWII, Changchun was renamed Hsinking as the capital of Manchukuo, an imperial Japanese puppet state in modern day Northeast China.43
the low temperatures, the low amount of snow that falls doesn't melt, so the winter landscape is usually covered with snow. During the most intense cold spells, the temperature can drop to around -30 °C (-22 °F). In summer, the heat is not constant as in central-southern China. Rainy periods can be quite cool, with highs around 20/25 °C (68/77 °F). However, in good weather it can get very hot. Generally, the temperature begins to decrease already in the second half of August.42
“长春概貌 ,” 长春市人民政府门户网站 ( Changchun Municipal People's Government, May 20, 2020), http://www.changchun. gov.cn/zjzc/ljzc/zrgk/. 43 “历史沿革 ,” 长春市人民政府门户网站 ( 长春市委 , December 23, 2020), http://www.changchun.gov.cn/zjzc/ljzc/lsyg/. 42
37
Site Map Jilin Grocery Worker Housing is located in Chaoyang District which is a city hub in Changchun. The house price in Chaoyang District is higher than the average house price in Changchun. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing is only five minutes away on foot to Nanhu Park, one of the popular parks in Changchun. The surrounding facilities are complete and convenient. It is easy to commute to the city center by public transportation. Schools in the area offer excellent educational resources.
ChaoYang District
Jilin Grocery Worker Housing
38
39
Housing Reform In the beginning, Worker Housing was a welfare allocation housing from the Jilin Grocery company.In 1998, according to the reform policy, according to the reform policy, each of the units was sold at an affordable price to the worker at Jilin Grocery who lived in the unit.Ownership was transferred from the company to the individual. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing's total area is 13312 square meters. Including the legal and illegal buildings, the community has 15 buildings. Nine of them are apartment buildings, which provide only a single living space from the ground floor to the upper level. Other buildings have different purposes, such as utility rooms, vacancies, retail stores, and limited community spaces. The first apartment building of Jilin Grocery Worker Housing was built in 1975, it was welfare allocation housing and aimed to provide living space for the employee who worked for Jilin Grocery Company. With the increase in the number of employees, the company gradually built more apartment buildings for them. The first building has 47 years of history. The conditions are relatively dilapidated.
1981 42
Welfare Allocation Housing
Reform of the Housing System
Gradually established since the 1950s, China’s urban
At the end of the 1970s, China started market-oriented
housing supply system was mainly government- planed
reform of the housing system, gradually shifting the
44
welfare allocation based on the work-unit system.
main housing supply from the state to the market. And
Under this housing allocation system, the work units or
accomplishing the commodification of housing and the
the bureau of housing management in the government
monetization of housing distribution. China adopted
allocated housing to employees as welfare according to
a gradualistic approach to the housing reform “old
their cadre ranking, occupation grade, seniority, marital
methods for old houses” referred to selling the original
status, and household size. Workers only had the right
work-unit-owned or state-owned welfare housing to the
to live in the houses while the ownership of the houses
residents living in the houses at affordable prices. This
belonged to the work unit or the state.
reform was a long, gradual, and controversial process with a large amount of pilot work. It was not until 1998 that a radical approach was adopted nationwide, terminating all kinds of welfare housing allocation. 45
44
1989
Li, Chunling, and Yiming Fan. “Housing Wealth Inequality in Urban China: The Transition from Welfare Allocation to Market Differentiation.” The Journal of Chinese Sociology. Springer Singapore, September 11, 2020. https:// journalofchinesesociology.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/ s40711-020-00129-4. 45 Ibid.
43
Formation Process #4
#8
#5
#4
#8
#5
#F
#4
#6
#6 #3
#3
#B
#B
#B
#9
#9
#2
#A
#A
#D #C
#D #C
#D #C
#E
#E
#E
#7
1976
In 1975, the Jilin Grocery Company built the first 4 apartment buildings to provide their employees and their families with a place to live. Depending on the number of family members, the company would assign an appropriate unit to each employee's family.
The mechanical building （#A）was built for provided hot water for the complex.
#8
#5
#4
1978
#8
#5
#F
#A
#1
#F #6
#B
#9
#2
#A
#B
#9
#2
#A
#D #C
#D #C
#D #C
#E
#E
#E
#7
1979 Starting from 1979, Jilin Grocery Company continued to build more units in response to a growing number of employees.
44
#8
#5
#3
#B
#9
#4
#6 #3
#2
#B was a one storey commercial buildings include several Retail stores were faced to Changjiu Road.
#F
#6 #3
#7
#1
#7
#1
1975
#4
#9
#2
#A
#1
#F
#F
#6 #3
#2
#8
#5
#1
#7
1982
#1
#7
1989 Despite the size of these employee housing, there is no common areas for the residents to gather. The most viable option for elderly is to gather outside. However, due to extreme weather sometimes outdoor activities are not appropriate on winter or rainy day.The community manager built #E, a 65-square-meter illegal building next to #9 to provide indoor activity space for the elderly in 1989.
#4
#8
#5
#4
#8
#5
#F
#F
#6
#6
#3
#3
#B
#B
#9
#2
#9
#2
#A
#A #D #C
#D #C
#E
#E
#7
#1
1993
1995
Apartment NO.9 was not planned originally. It was squeezed into an awkward position in a limited space to accommodate a large new batch of employees.
#4
#7
#1
After approval by the city hall in 1995, a 24 square meter mailing room (#B) was built in the community.
#8
#5
#F #6 #3
#B
#9
#2
#A #D #C #E
#7
#1
Residential
2022
Commercial or Public
45
Complex Condition #6 #9 #7 #C #1 #3 #A
#5 #6 #4 #3
#2
Residential Commercial or Public
46
#A: Abandoned mechanical building
#B: Retail store
Exsiting : Mechanical building, provide hot water to society Current: Inside of building has unused furniture and other junk
Including grocery store, post office, restaurant …
#C: Illegal building
#D: Illegal building
Public storage
Public storage
#E: Illegal building
#F: Retail store
Community center for residents
Existing: Security room. Current: Retail store
47
Demographic As of 2022, Jilin Grocery Worker Housing houses 226 units, approximately 700 residents, with 60 percent elderly residents who are in retirement and most of them are living alone or with their spouses.
Aged 65 years and above Retire with honors “Retirement is for veteran cadres who participated in revolutionary work before the founding of the People's Republic of China. When they reach retirement age, they can enjoy the prescribed retirement benefits.” In Jilin Grocery Worker Housing, most of them are above age 85 with monthly pensions around ￥4000- ￥5000. Some of them are unable to take care of themselves or are dealing with physical decline.
Retirees Above 90% of them are retirees from Jilin Grocery
Worker Housing, monthly pensions around ￥2500￥4000
48
Aged under 65 Children of old employees Some of those under the age of 60 are the children of the earliest employees. Some live in Jilin Grocery Worker Housing to take care of their parents, while others’ parents passed away, and they inherited their parents' house.
Tenants Nearly 30 percent of the households in Jilin Grocery Worker Housing are tenants. Apartment complexes also have free parking spaces and affordable rental fees. Most of them are college students, taxi drivers, or business owners. Especially since the surrounding facilities of Jilin Grocery Worker Housing are complete and it is easy to commute to the city center by public transportation.
49
Resident survey and interview Before the interview and prepared questionnaire phase, I contacted the property manager of the Jilin Grocery Worker Housing, Shouping Chen, who has worked for 15 years at the complex. According to Shouping, the residents live in the middle or lower class due to lower pension fees. The residents are currently in a difficult situation. Residents are dissatisfied with current living conditions but they lack the funds to buy a new apartment or the ability to repay loans to do so. Moreover, Jilin Grocery Worker Housing is located in the city center, which means if builders are interested in investing in this area, the property owner can sell their property for a great price. However, due to the property market downturn, residents are stuck in this complex. I prepared some questions about how my design might be relevant, but also to gather more information about the residents’ lifestyles. This helped me get a deeper understanding of the user group from different angles. For example, what's your daily routine like? How would you describe your current situation? Do you feel satisfied? What potential needs do you have, or what aspects of your living standard could be improved? How can design help? What does happiness mean to you? Have you been to a coffee shop or bubble tea shop? ... Shouping said that Spring Festivals are the busiest time for the community, so the interview time was set for the Chinese New Year, February 12, 2022. Most families choose to spend this time with their loved ones. The interview was assisted by Yingying Zhang.
50
To understand the user group better, I invited 20
2
residents to fill out the survey form and 3 residents to do
6
9
3
the interview.
Age 45
How many children do you have?
Your daily activities?
01/23 no children
21/23 Walking & Exercising
17/23 one children
16/23 Growing vegetables & flowers
04/23 two children 01/23 three children
50
60
80
85
12/23 Getting Groceries & Shopping 12/23 Play Cards & Mahjong 11/23 Watching TV & Listening to Video
Living with your family or not?
08/23 Using Phone/Technology
15/23 living alone or with their spouses
03/23 Reading & Writing
6/15 Weekly contacts with their children
70
3
04/23 Spending time with pets 01/23 Community activities
9/15 Monthly contacts with their children or longer 8/23 living with their spouses and children 51
Assuming the community has a public space for residents, what function of space do you perspect?
Describe a recent happy experience.
"Gym"
"My monthly pension fee was increased!”
"Community Area"
"I won the cards game!”
" 健身房吧，我们挺需要的 " " 活动室 "
"Game room" " 麻将室 "
"Reading room" " 读书室 "
"Tea Room" " 茶室 "
" 最近涨工资了，很开心 " " 打扑克赢了 "
" I celebrated New Year with my family" " 过年孩子们都回来了 "
"I reconnected with old friends” " 最近和之前的朋友又联系上了 " "I don't know” " 我不知道呀 "
" I made new friends”
" 我交了几个新的老伙伴儿 "
"I still have a good health condition" " 身体还行，还算健康 "
52
When you chat with neighbors, what topic do you discuss?
Could you describe what you did with friends or neighbors last time?
"Salary"
"Play Majiang，play the cards game"
"News"
"Walking in complex"
" 聊工资 " " 聊新闻，聊局势 "
"Property price of Jinlin Gorcery Working housing" " 聊最近房价 " "Children"
" 聊家长理短，聊孩子 "
"How to make Suancai"
" 聊腌酸菜，储存冬季菜蔬 " "Health Condition" " 聊身体情况 " "Food price"
" 聊最近物价 "
"How to grow vegetables"
" 打麻将，打扑克 " " 溜圈 , 闲溜达 "
"Go to the NanHu park" " 去南公园 "
"Have a natter" " 闲聊 "
"Go to the grocery market" " 去附近市场 " "Drink tea" " 喝茶 "
"Play Chinese chess" " 下象棋 "
" 聊春天种什么菜，家里种了什么 "
53
WenHai Gao Age: 82 Apartment building No.1 Length of residence: 47 years Wenhai's education level is relatively high at his age compared to others in the complex. After graduating from Changchun University of Technology, he began working in 1961. Having worked for a few years in a technical school, he was transferred to the Jilin Grocery Company. In 2001, he retired as a manager of the real estate department. He still occasionally had some business contacts to assist some companies with making those reports after he retired, but he hasn't done it as much in the past two years. Family: WenHai lives with his wife. She had a heart bypass surgery before and needs his help. In the past, WenHai had six siblings, now only four are still alive. He has a son and a daughter who all live in Changchun. "My family gets together at least once a month," he said. Daily activity: WenHai frequently uses his mobile phone, watches TV, grows flowers, and goes for a walk after dinner in Nanhu Park every day. He likes to invite his family over for dinner, and he enjoys preparing the food and entertaining them. As always, Chinese New Year is celebrated at his apartment this year, and the whole family comes to celebrate. "I used to enjoy dinner with my friends and a glass of wine, but because of my wife's current situation, I rarely go to dinner with my relatives," he said.
54
55
GuiLan Zhao Age: 83 Apartment building No.2 Length of residence: 42 years Guilan has lived in the Jilin Grocery Worker Housing for 42 years. Her husband used to be employed by Jilin Grocery Company. She is the oldest interviewee in the group. Her physical health is excellent, but her hearing is not great. She believes that she can take care of herself. Family: Guilan's husband passed away many years ago. She has a son and a daughter. Currently, she lives with her son who takes care of her daily needs. Her daughter lives in Changchun and this year, she was at her daughter's home celebrating Chinese New Year. However, Guilan said she preferred being at her own home to be more comfortable. Daily activity: "Most of the time I have a variety of habits, such as growing flowers, taking care of small vegetables and watching TV. Nowadays, due to seasonal reasons, the stairs will freeze because of the low temperature. I try to avoid unexpected accidents, so I choose not to go out frequently and stay safe. I am working on knitting wool socks today" she said. Guilan shows us her plants on the windowsill. “In the summer or when the weather is nice, I usually play poker with my neighbors. I can play for up to three hours every afternoon and I enjoy chatting with my neighbors" she noted.
56
57
ShuFen Wang Age: 68 Apartment building No.9 Length of residence: 20 years ShuFen lives in Building No.9, the last apartment building built by Jilin Grocery Worker Housing where most of the tenants live. Unfortunately, we were unable to conduct the interview at home because she said the room was too messy, so the interview took place outside. Family: ShuFen has lived in the Jilin Grocery Worker Housing for the past 20 years. She has lived alone since her spouse passed away four years ago. Her daughter is the only child and works in Beijing, returning home only once a year. Sadly, she could not return home to celebrate this year's New Year with ShuFen because of the pandemic. Relationship with neighbors: Since she has a bright personality, neighbors who rent out the unit often ask her to help them communicate with tenants. She said much of her social interaction is with the residents of the neighborhood. Daily activity: ShuFen's daily routine involves walking for 30 minutes, listening to the radio for 2 hours, and watching television. She prefers to stay at home and feel at ease. Getting out is mainly for living necessities, such as grocery shopping and paying the electric and water bill.
58
Surprisingly, ShuFen has another other activity: collecting waste. She said, "for me, picking up plastic bottles and other recycled materials isn't just about making a little money, it's also about feeling like you're doing something worthwhile." Picking up waste often brings her into contact with different types of people. Many of these people are younger and are happy to tell her where there are empty bottles to pick up.
59
60
Based on previous research, the feedback I received from residents made me feel surprised. For example, most of them have never been to coffee or bubble tea shops. It might be because of cultural preference or low socioeconomic status, among other reasons. But it inspires me to rethink possible opportunities for the elderly to engage in new things. Another piece of unexpected information for me was when they answered the question, “could you describe a happy moment recently experienced or talk about your definition of happiness?” This question is not difficult to answer, but more than half of the interviewees chose to skip it. I observed that they were trying to answer the question but they did not know how to. The whole interview process allowed me to rethink the goal of design intervention and determine that it should fully focus on meeting the needs of the user group. Also, think about how the intervention could contribute to people’s phycology aspect, feeling happiness.
61
62
63
64
DESIGN PROPOSAL A L L E V I AT E S O C I A L I S O L AT I O N
Design Concept The design intervention addresses how to promote internal interaction and encourage spontaneous socialization among senior adults to prevent and alleviate potential loneliness. The design approach mainly focuses on the needs of the elderly. Spatial characteristics are defined by understanding elderly activities and their typology. This design strategy resolves the existing problematic factors and reuses the original structure to create a convenient and functional public space that fosters the connection between people. Despite its focus on elders, the space is embedded within the community and welcomes participants from outside.
66
Snowbound: The winter in Changchun from November to March is very cold, and the landscape is usually covered in snow. In the winter with other extreme weather conditions, elderly people are less inclined to go out, so they prefer to stay at home and do things such as watch TV and plant flowers. Some senior adults need to go out accompanied by their children.
Only Living Space: Including the legal and illegal buildings, the community has 15 buildings. Nine of them are apartment buildings, which provide only a single living space from the ground floor to the upper level, and there are no shared spaces in the buildings, such as gym room, mailroom, or lobby. Other buildings have different purposes, such as utility rooms, vacancies, retail stores, and limited community spaces.
Outflow: The community does not provide enough communal space for residents. Some of the senior adults choose to stay at home, while others go to the nearby public spaces or parks for leisure activities.
Structure: Buildings are on average about 40 years old, and some of the conditions are not friendly to the elderly circulation. None of the apartments have elevators. "There was once a resident who had edema in her leg and her children were not around. I carried her from the sixth floor to the first floor", Shouping Chen, the complex manager, told me during a telephone interview. Additionally, three of the nine residential buildings have exposed staircases. During extreme weather conditions, the stairs can easily become slippery and icy, making it difficult for the elderly to go outside.
67
Existing Analysis
#4
#8
#5
#F #6 #3
#B
#2
#9
#A #D #C #E
#1
Residential Commercial or Public
68
#7
Due to the gradual formation of the community, the 9
Most of the apartments have multiple staircases that create
apartments have 9 different architectural forms. In addition,
a divide between the residents due to different circulation.
there are no standardized rules for alignment or arrangement.
Although they all live in one building, the neighbors’ interactions are reduced.
Currently, the community does not have parking lots. Even
The apartment buildings in the complex have varying heights.
though some residents own vehicles, irregular parking affects
Buildings on the west side are all three stories, while those on
the circulation of residents.
the east side are higher, ranging from four to six stories.
69
70
71
72
73
74
Based on previous analysis, the design intervention creates two layers to connect each building into a recreational space, where residents can relax or go for a walk within the area. Two layers are located on the second and the fourth floor due to the community having various building heights. In terms of circulation and structure, a new intervention structure could reduce the distance that residents who live with higher levels have to climb stairs. In addition, every single building in the community has its own communal space and residents could easily reach the communal space. Several paths run through the landscape vertical and horizontal to connect each building and draw different walking distances. The elevators bring convenience for people who want to trans from the lower system to the upper system, so none of the residents will experience dead ends or get lost along the way.
Existing Residential
Communal Space
Market Square
Office & Staff Room
Walking Area
Existing Commercial
Planting Area
Kitchen & Dining Area
Parking Lots
Elevator
75
The Second Floor
76
The Fourth Floor
77
78
79
Function Diagram Combined with the feedback of users in the survey and interviews, the design address proposes solutions for the problems arising from the current situation and fills the missing infrastructure functions. Interventions can then enrich their daily social activities by understanding their time routines and leisure habits.
Walking Area:
Leisure Space:
Dining Area:
Doing exercise
Gathering & Playing
Eating well
"My daily routine involves around a
"Play Mahjong or Card games with
"I often eat alone and feel lonely
30-minute walk after meals, as well
friends a few days a week"
sometimes"
Garden Area:
Market Square:
Share Kitchen:
Eating healthy & saving money
Having extra income
Sharing the food & Cooking together
"Due to the climate, I need to
"With a limited pension, I have to
"Now the kitchen equipment is
stock up on vegetables in autumn.
plan my expenses carefully"
relatively old, and if I cook my own
as a stroll when I have nothing to do."
" 每周都会打几天麻将 "
" 经常自己吃饭也会觉得孤独 "
" 我每天饭后要散步半小时，没事也喜 欢闲溜达 "
In winter, I grow some simple vegetables indoors, such as green onions."
" 因为冬天寒冷，也只能在室内种大葱， 秋天需要提前囤积蔬菜 "
80
" 退休金有限，需要精打细算 "
dishes, it will be relatively simple and random"
" 现在厨房设备比较老旧，自己吃饭经 常糊弄 "
81
82
83
#F
1. Market Square 2. Office 3. Staircase 4. Public Washroom 5. Elevator 6. Outdoor Share Garden
#7
#9
#5
#E
#D #C
#B
#6
#8
7. Rainwater Collection
Ground Floor 1"=40'-0" 0
30
60
90 ft
#1
#A
#2
#3
#4
5
7 5
2
1
3
5 4
6
85
#F
8. Share Kitchen 9. Dining Area 10. Balcony Dining Area 11. Communal Space
#7
#9
#5
#E
#D #C
#B
#6
#8
12. Indoor Share Garden
#1
#A
#2
#3
#4
5
4
11
12
Second Floor 1"=40'-0" 0
30
60
90 ft
11
11
4
12 5 12
9 4 12
8
10 5
11
87
#7
#9
#E
#D #C
#B
#6
#8
#F
11
12
#5
4
11
6
Fourth Floor 1"=40'-0" 0
30
60
90 ft
#1
#A
#2
#3
#4
5
12 5
89
Walking Area
96" 24"
32"
The walking area is one of the most important scenes which runs through the design intervention. In the narrowest walkway, the width is 8 feet and is between two columns, allowing more than two people to pass 36"
through at once. The design hopes that participants will integrate nature into the indoor environment. Most of the interior material is glass in order to keep the interior transparent and provide a comfortable indoor environment during extreme weather. By moving the curtain wall, people can engage with fresh air and also interact with the green plants outside. Some walking areas adjacent to apartments are all hung with green planters as natural shelters to protect the residents' privacy.
90
91
94
102
103
CITATION LITERATURE & SOURCES
Annotated Bibliography
“The Aging Readiness & Competitiveness Report China.” AARP Aging Readiness & Competitiveness Initiative: China Country Profile. AARP international, 2017. https:// arc.aarpinternational.org/countries/china. This is the official website of The Aging Readiness & Competitiveness Report (ARC). The ARC report examines the pressures and opportunities China faces, as well as its policy responses in four pillars: Community Social Infrastructure, Productive Opportunity, Technological Engagement, and Healthcare and Wellness. This report
“国务院关于颁发《国务院关于安置老弱病残干部的暂行 办法》和《国务院关于工人退休、退职的暂行办法》的通 知 . State Council Circular on Issuing ‘State Council
Temporary Measures on Providing for Old, Weak, Sick, and Handicapped Cadres’ and ‘State Council Temporary Measures on Workers' Retirement, Resignation’ (Chinese Text).” Commission on China. State Council Circular, February 24, 1979. https://www.cecc.gov/resources/ legal-provisions/state-council-circular-on-issuing-statecouncil-temporary-measures-on.
is useful in understanding how Chinese adults living
This policy of "State Council Temporary Measures on
conditions, such as community social infrastructure,
Workers' Retirement, Resignation". The text clearly stipulates
productive opportunity, technological engagement, and
the retirement age for employees, which can further narrow
healthcare and wellness.
the range of the user group for the thesis. At the same time,
“World Population Ageing 2019 Highlights.” World Population Ageing 2019, 2019. https://doi. org/10.18356/9df3caed-en.
the implication of the definition of the Chinese elderly also contributes to the psychological problems faced by the elderly in the further introduction.
This text was published by the Department of Economic
Chen, Xinxin, Yafeng Wang, John Strauss, and Yaohui
and Social Affairs of the United Nations. This Report
Zhao. “China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
documents global and regional trends in population aging.
(CHARLS).” Encyclopedia of Gerontology and Population
It provides background information to this thesis about
Aging, 2021, 948–56. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-
various concepts and indicators related to population aging
030-22009-9_333.
and discusses related fiscal and economic implications. The data in the Annex Table about the Chinese aging population has been used in the thesis to explain the proportion of the population. Anderson Monica, and Andrew Perrin. “Tech Adoption Climbs among Older Americans.” Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. Pew Research Center, May 30, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/ internet/2017/05/17/tech-adoption-climbs-amongolder-adults/.
The China Health and Retirement Report published in 2019. The China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) aims to collect a high quality nationally representative sample of Chinese residents ages 45 and older to serve the needs of scientific research on the elderly. This is a great resource for understanding Chinese elders in general. The CHARLS provides a variety of modules, from demographics, family structure/transfer, health status and functioning, biomarkers, health care and insurance, work, retirement and pension, income and consumption, assets (individual and household), to
This text was published in Pew Research Center in 2017
community level information. Furthermore, chapter two,
by Monica Anderson and Andrew Perrin. Although the
the health status and functioning emphasizes that mental
background of the article is aimed at the elderly in the
health also plays an important role. Chapter four, Chinese
United States, the article also demonstrates the difficulties
elderly leisure activities, provides strong information and
faced by the elderly around the world. Surveys find that
suggestions for the design intervention.
even though seniors are also moving towards more digitally connected lives, it still takes time and experience to embrace new things.
107
Chang, Ye, Xiaofan Guo, Liang Guo, Zhao Li, Hongmei
Thapa, Deependra Kaji, Denis Visentin, Rachel
Yang, Shasha Yu, Guozhe Sun, and Yingxian Sun.
Kornhaber, and Michelle Cleary. “Migration of Adult
“Comprehensive Comparison between Empty Nest and
Children and Mental Health of Older Parents ‘Left
Non-Empty Nest Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study among
behind’: An Integrative Review.” PLOS ONE 13, no. 10
Rural Populations in Northeast China.” International
(2018). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205665.
Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 9 (2016): 857. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph13090857.
This article found that being left behind is negatively associated with the mental health of older adults. Proving that psychological problems of empty-nesters elderly
This report is focused on empty-nest elderly in rural and
are common problem, such as loss of cognitive function,
urban areas in Northeast China, and discussed the influence
depression, anxiety and loneliness. By synthesizing the
of “time brand” (Wars, foundation of New China, Great
research related to the mental health of elderly parents left
Chinese Famine, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution)
behind, this study advances our theoretical and empirical
and geographical condition on the elderly, which provides a
understanding of outmigration of adult children and its
reference for the paper. Studies analyzed the psychosocial
implications for the psychological well-being of the parents.
problems the empty nest elderly had to strive to cope with,
Resources are provided in this article to diagnose the
including loneliness, anxiety disorders, and depression: the
psychological problems of the elderly.
so-called “empty nest syndrome”. The article also reveals some elderly people's stereotype concept of family left by culture progress. Chinese people put high hopes on the notion of raising children for the purpose of being looked after in old age, so the elderly have a strong emotional dependence on and high expectation of their children. Besides the children’s departure from home, other factors including lower income, less social support and a more negative coping style, education level, gender, retirees, and living in the rural areas also made the empty nest elderly more prone to depression.
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunitiies for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2020. This book focused on social isolation and loneliness in Older Adults summarizing the evidence base and exploring how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. The book offers an explanation of social isolation and loneliness.
Cheung, Man-Chung. “How China Is Closing the
Hawkley, Louise C., and John T. Cacioppo. “Loneliness
Digital Divide for Seniors.” Insider Intelligence. Insider
Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of
Intelligence, April 5, 2021. https://www.emarketer.com/
Consequences and Mechanisms.” Annals of Behavioral
content/how-china-closing-digital-divide-seniors.
Medicine 40, no. 2 (July 22, 2010): 218–27. https://doi.
This article describes that the digital divide has widened
org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8.
especially in China. It gives powerful data to support
This journal looks at loneliness from a social perspective.
the reality of the factor and explains why this issue takes
As a social species, humans rely on a safe, secure social
on added urgency. The article describes how internet
space to survive and thrive. According to this journal,
adoption among seniors remains low, despite lockdowns
loneliness affects physical health and mortality and must
and pandemic-related travel restrictions. This is helpful in
be considered for mental health and cognitive functioning.
understanding how gender imbalance, delayed marriage,
Also provide some solutions to solve and alleviate
and a declining birthrate also contribute to the digital
loneliness.
divide.
108
Zheng OUYANG, “The Well-Being of the Elderly Living in Their Own Homes : Application of the Person-
Environment Fit Theory 北京市居家養老的老年人幸福
感研究 : 基於人與環境理論的視角 ” (Hong Kong: CityU Scholars, 2015), pp. 12-18.
The report is based on the social background of China and strategy of “aging-at-home” and “aging in place” For the environmental factors, this report finding underscores the importance of enhancing housing and transportation conditions. Could develop the public transportation system and to access all kinds of activities. One of the suggestions is the introduction of programs in communities to promote value congruence. Can-qing Yu, Xiao-yan Sun, and Li-ming Li, “ 空巢老人抑 郁症及其影响因素研究进展 : Prevalence and Influencing Factor of Depression among Empty-Nest Elderly: a
Systematic Review,” Chinese Journal of Public Health 17, no. 11 (January 2018), https://doi.org/10.11847/ zgggws1112521. This jurnal from the epidemiological perspective, the article systematically reviewed various risk factors of depression in empty-nest eldely, and provided corresponding measures to achieve the primary prevention.
109
Image credits Page 13
Page 35
Image 01. Senior women sweeping the stairs Sept 8, 2021.
Image 11. David Maximillian Waterman, People Playing
by Shuhong, Sun
Mahjong in the Streets , photograph (Sanyuan Bridge,
Page 18
Beijing, n.d.).
Image 02. 中国家庭 . Photograph. Guangzhou, June 30,
Page 35
2018.
Image 12. Rongchen's friends, June 8, 2016. by Linghui Li
Page 21
Page 36
Image 03. Retirement Certificate Sept 10, 2021. by Linghui,
Image 13. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Entrance, Sept 25,
Li
2021. by Shuhong Sun
Page 21
Page 36
Image 04. Jilin Senior Citizen Card Sept 10, 2021. by Linghui,
Image 13. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Entrance, Sept 25,
Li
2021. by Shuhong Sun
Page 26
Page 39
Image 05. Celia Hatton, Who Will Take Care of China's Elderly People?, photograph (Fujian, n.d.). Page 27
Image 06. Yijun Li, 午间虔诚 , photograph (Tiantai, Zhejiang,
Image 14. Changchun Map, August 4, 2014, 地之图 , August 4, 2014, http://map.ps123.net/china/5536.html. Page 42 Image 15. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Bird View, Sept 25,
n.d.).
2021. by Yingying Zhang
Page 30
Page 48
Image 07. Cheung, Man-Chung. “How China Is Closing
Image 16. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Apartment Bird
the Digital Divide for Seniors.” Insider Intelligence. Insider
View 01, Sept 25, 2021. by Yingying Zhang
Intelligence, April 5, 2021. https://www.emarketer.com/ content/how-china-closing-digital-divide-seniors.
Page 48 Image 17. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Apartment Bird View
Page 33
02, Sept 25, 2021. by Yingying Zhang
Image 08. Chow, Newman. Elderly Entertainment. Photograph. Hollywood Road Park, Hong Kong, October 4,
Page 49
2021. LFI GALLERY.
Image 18. Mechanical building, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun
Page 35
Image 09. 人民网 , 提升中国老年人健康素养 积极应对老龄 化 . photograph (Beijing, n.d.).
Page 49 Image 19. Changjiu Rd Retail store, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun
Page 35 Image 10. Residents Dance in a Public Open Space, photograph (Shanghai, n.d.), China Daily.
110
Page 49 Image 20. Illegal building #C, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun
Page 49
Page 61
Image 21. Illegal building #D, February 25, 2022. Shuhong
Image 31. ShuFen's home front entry door, February 10,
Sun
2022. Yingying Zhang
Page 49
Page 62
Image 22. Illegal building #E, February 25, 2022. Shuhong
Image 32. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing apartment #9
Sun
staircase , Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun
Page 49
Page 64
Image 23. Retail store #F, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun
Image 31. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing apartment #3 entry , Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun
Page 52 Image 24. Shouping Chen in his office, February 12, 2022. Yingying Zhang Page 54 Image 24. Resident survey 01, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun Page 55 Image 25. Resident survey 02, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun Page 57 Image 26. Wenhai's home, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang Page 57 Image 27. Wenhai and his wife, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang Page 58 Image 28. Guilian's knitting Tools, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang Page 59 Image 29. Guilian's home, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang Page 59 Image 30. Knitting wool socks, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang
111
Design to alleviate social isolation for Chinese elderly
