2020 Volume 85 Issue 767 Pages 1-9
In recent years, aging has become a serious social problem in China. It is estimated that the aging rate will reach 25.0% in China and 27.3% in Shanxi province by 2030. Moreover, the number of a couple elderly living without children and living alone elderly who are called “empty nesters elderly” in China is increasing rapidly.
The objective of this paper is to clarify and evaluate living environment, especially space formation of dwelling for elderly people in Xi’an and Shanxi, China based on field study. This paper concentrate on Beilin District of Xi’an(6 shequ). Firstly, we clarifies the space formation of shequs, distribution of public facilities in the vicinity of shequs, and public services by resident committee. Secondarily, we profiles of elderlies in general based on the interview (total 201 persons). Thirdly, we concentrate on the space formation of dwelling and clarifies the problems of dwelling accommodation for all elderlies regardless of the degree of independence.
The major points this paper clarifies are as follows.
1. Community facilities for the elderly are mostly installed in community committee’s office, but are not enough. Elderly people in sheque⑤ where is high aging rate, facilities is well-equipped, spends the longest time outdoor, feels the lowest loneliness and is highly satisfied with daily life. Areas lacking facilities for elderly need to be integrated.
2. The population density of each community is quite different, and the distribution of facilities are not well- balanced. Recreational facilities are very few in general. It is necessary to integrate the area on the basis of information about the types and locations of facilities around the area.
3.60% of the respondents are “empty nesters elderly” and 72.2% of the elderly do not participate in any recreational activities at all. The elderly have less time to stay outdoors and their activities are monotonous. 78.1% of the elderly suffer from chronic diseases and the medical health is their most concern. It is very important to establish a system of linkages with the medical system.
4. As for the planning of houses, all the dwelling have some problems. It is a basic problem that no care space and no shower etc. because the space area is so small. The problem of aging of hydroelectric heating and high bath etc. can also be pointed out. No elevator installed in the building etc.. Housing planning should consider the use of elderly that needs a fundamental change.
5. With the degree of elderly's self-independent, the inconvenience or inadaptability of living space is increasing. For the elderly people of Independent degree, there are still obstacles to use space. The inconvenience for the elderly of Independent degree I obviously becomes obstacle for the elderly of Independent degree II and III. For the elderly of Independent degree III, it is necessary to set up the care system and prepare facilities as soon as possible.
Above all, it is clear that there are still many problems in the living environment of the elderly in the urban center of the historic city of Xi'an. As for the suburbs and countryside area of Xi'an, other papers will be prepared.
