Chinese seniors holidaying, elderly care, rural tourism and rural poverty alleviation programmes

Abstract

In 2005 China commenced significant reforms in the provision of care for those over the age of 60 years. Subsequent developments have created a synergy between (a) senior care, (b) tourism policies that seek to alleviate rural poverty by (c) creating additional employment opportunities and the improvement of medical facilities. However, the success of such initiatives are partially based on the choices being made by Chinese over the age of 60 years as to where they wish to holiday and their preference for rural or urban areas as potential retirement regions. In turn these decisions rest on several factors described in the paper, including the presence of care-home facilities, pensions and other income. Based on a survey of those taking holidays who take into account access to medical care should it be needed, the paper reports holiday preferences and their determinants. Findings indicate that approximately 45% of the sample of Beijing residents would prefer a rural location, but while pensions had little impact on decisions, total income did matter.