Community Planning in the Enlightenment of Inter-generational Solidarity

Abstract

With the rapidly ageing in China, the present social pension services and the community settings could hardly meet with the needs of the elderly who wish to age in place. As an effective approach to alleviate this current situation, inter-generational solidarity emphasizes the supportive relationships between multi-generational neighbors and the cohesive bonding within community. In this study, theoretical research was first conducted, discussing the necessity and feasibility of inter-generational solidarity in community. Then field surveys were carried out and questionnaires were distributed, investigating the present situation and respondents’ attitudes to inter-generational solidarity. Finally, suggestions were proposed in three aspects: community spatial planning, management and activity arrangement. According to the results, preferences of respondents for inter-generational solidarity were confirmed, and votes of each item of demanding and providing behaviors vary greatly. There was a great difference between generations and their preferences for mutual supportive behaviors. As is seen from findings, community inter-generational solidarity is relatively feasible in China. The appropriate encouragement and facilitation of inter-generational solidarity would provide a potential alternative to community planning in the future.