Analysis and Strategies to Improve Living Conditions of Elderly Living Alone in China: A Healthcare Context.

Background

The shift toward nuclear family structures in China has resulted in a growing number of elderly individuals living alone, intensifying the imbalance between the supply and demand of elderly care services.

Objectives

This study aims to systematically examine the care needs of elderly individuals living alone in China and propose practical strategies to enhance their quality of life.

Methods

Using the Kano model and ERG theory, 22 care services were categorized into three types: essential (must-have), attractive, and future-focused (outlook) elements. Survey data were gathered from 230 elderly individuals living alone in Yan'an, Baoji, and Hanzhong, located in Shaanxi Province. To determine the factors influencing the intensity of demand for these services, multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis was applied.

Results

The findings show that demand intensity for care services is significantly shaped by factors such as gender, age, marital status, education level, income, self-rated health, loneliness, and family support. The highest demand was observed for medical and mental health services, followed by life support services.

Conclusions

To address the gaps in elderly care services, this study suggests standardizing institutional frameworks, diversifying service options, utilizing familial support networks, and integrating intelligent technologies. These measures are especially critical for reducing service disparities in rural and less developed regions, contributing to a fairer and more effective elderly care system in China.