Rural stayers in China: Mobilizing community-engaged services for older villagers

This study demonstrates how applied research data can inform government policy on rural elders’ self-help initiatives. We collected data through in-person interviews with 45 elders in Village X (57% response rate) and phone interviews with 39 adult children (82% response rate). The villagers preferred the term “stayers” to avoid being called “left-behind.” These stayers were proud to have motivated their offspring to return home to harvest chili, while adult children sought eldercare services for the hidden stayers. Recommended interventions include mobile health clinics, in-home care, and social support networks, which align with the Chinese value of family reunion.