This Article Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: 1043659607312971v1 19/2/114    most recent References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Google Scholar Articles by Hongwei Wan, Articles by Kolanowski, A. PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Hongwei Wan, Articles by Kolanowski, A. Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Caring for Aging Chinese: Lessons Learned From the United States

Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Nursing

Fang Yu, PHD, CRNP, RN

University of Minnesota School of Nursing

Ann Kolanowski, PHD, RN, FGSA, FAAN

Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing

After two birth peaks and the "one child per family" policy, China is facing unprecedented challenges with regard to its aging population. This article analyzes the problems associated with three traditional ways of caring for older Chinese, the current health care system, and social supports available to older Chinese. The "4-2-1" family structure and the "empty nest" undermine family support, the prevalence of chronic illnesses and lack of money reduce older adults' selfcare abilities, and insufficient care facilities threaten social support. Lessons learned from the United States show that community-based nursing models, nursing curriculum reforms with a gerontology focus, and reformed health care systems are pivotal for addressing China's crisis.

Key Words: aging population • gerontological nursing • China • Chinese • community-based care • health care system

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?