Aging in the People's Republic of China.

The Chinese approach to old age is a blend of 4,000 years of recorded culture; a predominately agricultural past and present, and a thirty year old socialist government. Valuable insights are gained regarding aging in China through the description of Chinese elderly life in context with China's past and present. Pertinent questions are asked concerning the role of the elderly in China's future. Although lacking the references and methodology usually accompanying articles published in this journal, this paper is based on discussions with a number of Chinese living in the United States and Hong Kong, American experts on China, brief discussions with members of the Chinese Liaison Office (now the Chinese Embassy), an interview with Dr. Ma Hai-teh (George Hatem), a personal visit to China in the summer of 1978, and a review of literature on China. It offers an opportunity to become acquainted with the conditions of the elderly in another social and political system.