Image credits

Chang, Ye, Xiaofan Guo, Liang Guo, Zhao Li, Hongmei Yang, Shasha Yu, Guozhe Sun, and Yingxian Sun. “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): 857. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph13090857.

This report is focused on empty-nest elderly in rural and urban areas in Northeast China, and discussed the influence of “time brand” (Wars, foundation of New China, Great Chinese Famine, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution) and geographical condition on the elderly, which provides a reference for the paper. Studies analyzed the psychosocial problems the empty nest elderly had to strive to cope with, including loneliness, anxiety disorders, and depression: the 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.

Cheung, Man-Chung. “How China Is Closing the Digital Divide for Seniors.” Insider Intelligence. Insider Intelligence, April 5, 2021. https://www.emarketer.com/ content/how-china-closing-digital-divide-seniors.

This article describes that the digital divide has widened especially in China. It gives powerful data to support the reality of the factor and explains why this issue takes on added urgency. The article describes how internet adoption among seniors remains low, despite lockdowns and pandemic-related travel restrictions. This is helpful in understanding how gender imbalance, delayed marriage, and a declining birthrate also contribute to the digital divide. Thapa, Deependra Kaji, Denis Visentin, Rachel Kornhaber, and Michelle Cleary. “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.

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 are common problem, such as loss of cognitive function, depression, anxiety and loneliness. By synthesizing the research related to the mental health of elderly parents left behind, this study advances our theoretical and empirical understanding of outmigration of adult children and its implications for the psychological well-being of the parents. Resources are provided in this article to diagnose the psychological problems of the elderly.

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.

Hawkley, Louise C., 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): 218–27. https://doi. org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8.

This journal looks at loneliness from a social perspective. As a social species, humans rely on a safe, secure social space to survive and thrive. According to this journal, loneliness affects physical health and mortality and must be considered for mental health and cognitive functioning. Also provide some solutions to solve and alleviate loneliness.

Zheng OUYANG, “The Well-Being of the Elderly Living in Their Own Homes : Application of the PersonEnvironment 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.

Page 13 Image 01. Senior women sweeping the stairs Sept 8, 2021. by Shuhong, Sun

Page 18 Image 02. 中国家庭. Photograph. Guangzhou, June 30, 2018.

Page 21 Image 03. Retirement Certificate Sept 10, 2021. by Linghui, Li

Page 21 Image 04. Jilin Senior Citizen Card Sept 10, 2021. by Linghui, Li

Page 26 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, n.d.).

Page 30 Image 07. Cheung, Man-Chung. “How China Is Closing the Digital Divide for Seniors.” Insider Intelligence. Insider Intelligence, April 5, 2021. https://www.emarketer.com/ content/how-china-closing-digital-divide-seniors.

Page 33 Image 08. Chow, Newman. Elderly Entertainment. Photograph. Hollywood Road Park, Hong Kong, October 4, 2021. LFI GALLERY.

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 35 Image 10. Residents Dance in a Public Open Space, photograph (Shanghai, n.d.), China Daily. Page 35 Image 11. David Maximillian Waterman, People Playing Mahjong in the Streets , photograph (Sanyuan Bridge, Beijing, n.d.).

Page 35 Image 12. Rongchen's friends, June 8, 2016. by Linghui Li

Page 36 Image 13. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Entrance, Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun

Page 36 Image 13. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Entrance, Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun

Page 39 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, 2021. by Yingying Zhang

Page 48 Image 16. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Apartment Bird View 01, Sept 25, 2021. by Yingying Zhang

Page 48 Image 17. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing Apartment Bird View 02, Sept 25, 2021. by Yingying Zhang

Page 49 Image 18. Mechanical building, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun

Page 49 Image 19. Changjiu Rd Retail store, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun

Page 49 Image 20. Illegal building #C, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun

Page 49 Image 21. Illegal building #D, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun

Page 49 Image 22. Illegal building #E, February 25, 2022. Shuhong Sun

Page 49 Image 23. Retail store #F, February 25, 2022. 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 Page 61 Image 31. ShuFen's home front entry door, February 10, 2022. Yingying Zhang

Page 62 Image 32. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing apartment #9 staircase , Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun

Page 64 Image 31. Jilin Grocery Worker Housing apartment #3 entry , Sept 25, 2021. by Shuhong Sun