From Selfies to Seniors: How China's Young Evaluators are Rocking Elderly Care 🎸👵
\"Can you dress yourself? 😊\"
\"Are you able to go to the bathroom on your own? 🚽\"
At first glance, these might seem like simple questions. But for 24-year-old Ma Shuang, they're part of a mission to bring comfort and dignity to China's aging population.
Ma is an elderly ability evaluator at the Guangming Mountain Senior Nursing Home, nestled on the outskirts of Beijing. Armed with a degree in Senior Citizen Services and Management, she's on the frontline of a new wave in elderly care.
Every day, Ma and her team engage with residents like 81-year-old Mrs. Han, assessing their daily living activities, mental state, sensory functions, and social participation. It's not just about ticking boxes; it's about creating connections. 💖
\"The evaluation is much more than just filling out forms,\" Ma says. \"It's about engaging with the elderly, understanding their needs, and creating a sense of trust so they feel comfortable sharing their struggles.\"
China is witnessing a silver tsunami 🌊. With nearly 297 million people aged 60 and above in 2023—over 21% of the population—the need for quality elderly care is skyrocketing 🚀.
Recognizing this, China officially established the profession of elderly ability evaluator in 2020. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Liaoning Province are pioneering standardized evaluation processes. In Liaoning alone, over 80,000 evaluations have been completed so far.
But why is this so important? For Ma, it's all about giving seniors a voice. \"I'm not just helping to assess their abilities; I'm giving them a voice,\" she reflects. \"For many elderly people, these assessments help them understand their own needs and improve their daily lives.\"
The role of elderly ability evaluators is more than a job—it's a calling. And as China's demographics shift, young professionals like Ma are stepping up to ensure that the golden years truly shine ✨.
To meet the growing demand, universities and vocational schools across China are expanding programs in elderly care and gerontology. By 2023, over 770 higher education institutions are on board, prepping the next generation of caregivers.
As Ma looks to the future, her optimism is contagious. \"We're making a real difference,\" she smiles. \"One evaluation at a time.\" 🙌
Reference(s):
China's elderly ability evaluators ensure quality of life in old age
cgtn.com
