Poster Presentation
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Wednesday, 19 July 2006
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
This presentation is part of : Poster Presentations I
Caring for Aging Chinese: Lessons Learned from America
Hongwei Wan, RN, Shanghai International School of Nusing, Shanghai Second Medical University, Shanghai, PA, China, Fang Yu, PhD, RN, CRNP, School of nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA, and Ann Kolanowski, RN, PhD, School of Nursing, Penn State University, State College, PA, USA.
Learning Objective #1: understand an unprecedented challenge which China is facing for meeting the care needs of its aging population.
Learning Objective #2: understand how to use America as a model to help China to improve its aging nursing system including nursing curriculum reform and community-based models.
Background: After two birth peaks and the implementation of “one-child” family plan in last century, China is facing an unprecedented challenge for meeting the aging care needs. Older Chinese will triple and account for 25% of total population by 2050. Purpose: To historically analyze the trend of aging and services available for older Chinese and Americans, and to provide suggestions for Chinese using lessons learned from America. Method: Electronic databases including PubMed, CINAHL, Weipu and Wanfang were searched from 1980 to 2005, using keywords: aging population, aging nursing, health care policy, China, America. Findings: Three broad themes emerged from literatures. First, family support has been the most important way of caring for older Chinese. The “4-2-1” family structure which resulted from “one-child” family plan will undermine the viability of this traditional way in the upcoming decades. Second, older Chinese are increasingly relying on self care due to growing “empty nests” associated with modernization and the “4-2-1” family structure. Lack of financial security and high prevalence of morbidity pose serious threats to their self-care abilities. Last, social supports are only available to the privileged few who reside in cities where pensions and health insurance are available. Eighty percent of older Chinese live in rural areas where little social support is available. Discussions: The development of American gerontological nursing offers three lessons for China to meet the needs of its mounting older population. First, add gerontological content to nursing education to jump start nurses’ competence for aging. Second, develop community-based models suitable for Chinese culture and economic status, including home care, assisted living, nursing home and aging in place. Third, advocate for the reform and implementation of regionally specific social security system. Implications: Nursing curriculum reform with gerontology focus and community-based models are pivotal for addressing the upcoming social crisis in China.

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