Peking University Professor Hu Yong has become an unexpected voice for China's silent army of family caregivers, blending his academic rigor with the raw reality of tending to his elderly parents. His story, shared in a recent interview, reveals the hidden toll of caregiving in a society where 1 in 5 will be over 60 by 2035.
"We're all leaves on the same tree of life," Hu reflects, describing how caring for his mother with Alzheimer\u2019s reshaped his understanding of societal responsibility. The scholar-turned-advocate now pushes for concrete solutions: long-term care insurance pilots in 49 cities, community respite programs, and workplace protections for those balancing jobs with care duties.
His analysis cuts through cultural platitudes about filial piety. "Every family caregiver is propping up our social safety net," he argues, noting that 90% of China\u2019s elderly currently rely on home care. Without systemic support, Hu warns, the coming \u2018silver tsunami\u2019 could strain intergenerational relationships and economic stability.
The conversation takes a philosophical turn as Hu introduces "death quality\u201d – advocating for palliative care reforms and advanced directive education. "How we enable dignified endings reflects our civilization\u2019s maturity," he observes.
While focused on China\u2019s context, Hu\u2019s insights resonate across Asia, where 60% of the world\u2019s elderly population will reside by 2050. His call for a "care-oriented society" challenges policymakers and citizens alike to reimagine aging in the 21st century.
