That's one of the surprises I came across in China as well. How active their Elderly Citizens are. China's parks in particular. There are so many public facilities, exercise equipment, dances, singers, etc. for the Elderly to par take in ... basically everywhere I went. I have NOT seen anything like that in Australia (and I've travelled Australia). I went on a bus trip full of Aussies to Hangzhou. There was this Elderly man in his mid 70s at a park doing his slow stretch routine. The Aussies in the bus decided to get out and join him in his stretches. We were all much younger than him. We copied his movements for at least 20 minutes ... then ... this elderly Chinese Citizens decided to do scissor kicks in the air, jumping and leaping. But for a couple, all the other Aussies fell over, some just gave up, others were totally bent over and panting heavily. I didn't even try. It was the most hillarious moment I've ever experienced in my life. But regardless of all the Aussie body carnages on the Park, this Elderly Man kept his composure, stayed focus, did NOT twitch and continued as if nothing was happening around him (but I swear I saw a little tiny grin on his face).
@@adamliuyadong4711 I love that saying. China are the best I've seen in my travels in looking after their Elderly. No ... wrong ... NO looking after their Elderly BUT ... providing EVERYTHING the Elderly need so they can look after themselves in terms of: Hospital support; Medical support; Elderly Structures and Exercise equipment in Parks; food and beverages for the Elderly; Social clubs for the Elderly; Dance and Music classes for the Elderly; free appropriate transportation for the Elderly; a purpose MADE CITY for the Elderly; etc. To be old in CHINA you live like and are treated like, Royalty. To be fair, China's Elderly made the BIGGEST SACRIFICE in their ENTIRE life, willing to work for $1 a day on old Labour INtensive factories for the Rich People of USA. Today, the young generation have modernised the old factories using AI Robotics, given them the chance to live the Middle Class life styles they all enjoy today. This is TOTAL respect to the Elderly, the labourers to make the greatness of China today. A Coopers to the young adults of China for showing such immense RESPECT for your Elderly. You don't lock them up, on their own, in some building, to be looked after by some stranger ... and in isolation.
@@dranzacspartan8002 your understanding and insight about elder life in China is amazing, in China, we all know that Piety is the foundation of all virtues, if you don't treat your parents and your grandparents good, you are definitely not a good person, the whole society will not recognize you.
My husband was once put into a job interview with some shortlisted candidates. One of the questions (irrelevant according to my husband) being ask by the examiner and interviewer is "A old man and a youth fall into the sea and who would you save?) Almost everyone said either the old or the young with their reasoning except for my hubby. And the interviewer with the rest of the candidates were stunned for awhile. He said it has nothing to do with age, life is precious, every life young or old is a life, he can't choose who he would save, he could save only the one he can get his hands on. He got the job.
It is a good answer, but I would save the one with more years ahead, that way you have saved more ‘life’. Also, if I was the old drowning person, I would not want a young person to die instead of me.
The older people here in China are always busy and always out and about socializing or exercisesing. I wish it was more of a thing back home ! We have a lot to learn in this regard.
In their 20's or 30's, China didn't have a free job market, nor did it allow Chinese to move freely. Therefore, it's very possible that after the elderly got out of school, they got assigned with a job, and worked & lived at the same place for decades until China opened up in 1980's. Thus they tend to be friendly and socializing because they used to be in very closed communities.
@@xw3132 That should have been given as a personal opinion. Without a professional independent study we should not unduly influence public opinion unless it's done for the public good.
@@adamiskandar5107 I feel like you are quoting some TV shows, but anyway, the no free job market and no freedom of movement was absolutely true. My parents, born in 1970s, still got there jobs (pretty decent) by assignment right out of college.
In the award-winning documentary series "The Story of China," British historian Michael Wood presents a book titled, "How to Help Old People Live Better, More Fulfilling Lives....printed in 1085 A.D.! He quotes: "To care for old people, you have to look at the nature of their whole life. Everybody has things that they really like, things that make them glad. Books, paintings, music...there are millions of things that people like. If a person frequently seeks out the things that they've loved all their life, and focuses on their essence, and has these things around them, it will give them endless joy and pleasure, and their days will be joyful." Again, this is from a self-help book from over 1000 years ago! This shows not only how much China values old people, that there was a market for books on helping them, but how old China itself is, that one thousand years ago it had already developed to the point that there were printed books on self-help, along with a large population with the disposable income to purchase them.
I am living in Belgium at this moment and haven't seen my grandparents for more than 3.5 years. They are getting old so fast and I really hope that the travel restrict can ease up soon so that I can go back and see them again. But at the same time easing the travel restriction means probably China will give up zero-covid policy which will put my grandparents who are 70+ and have heart problem to face covid. Such a dilemma :(
Take swan test, get result, show results to health authorities, enter hospital for medical check up, get advice from doctors, all can be done within a day.
One key factor in senior citizens' lives in China: their pension system, at least for most city dwellers. I met people who retired at 55 (women teachers), got their apartment free of mortgage, no real estate land tax, low cost utilities, low cost food, and a growing pension. One teacher who was earning 800 yuan a month in her peak last job was getting over 7000 yuan a month at age 75 (20 years after retiring and she looked like younger than 60) as their pensions are linked to average salary income and CPI. The seniors benefits from inflation and rising average salaries! There are quite a few RUclips videos made by foreigners to support this observation of mine.
@@magnetospin The reason for that is in the past, teachers do not earn a lot. The high pension is used to maintain teachers in the profession. I was a primary school teacher back in 2007 in China and at that time, the salary was low compared to other jobs, but the future after retirement was bright. But later, I think around 2010, there was a reform regarding the pension. For the new teachers later, they won't get as much as the previous ones.
Is this accurate? She earned 800 yuan a month in her peak, but was getting 7000 yuan a month of pension? This kind of pension scheme would bankrupt the country in no time. Good luck China !!!
@@patleo123 Yea, it's true, but only for teachers who's been retired for a while. Lots of teachers didn't make much back in 1990s and early 2000s. They may only be making a few hundred a month when they retired. The economy as a whole grew many, many times since then so they get an adjustment in their pension.
u r talking about teacher, not average ppl. China society worship teacher very very much. many workers in factory and small bussiness are not that lucky.
Hi Nico and Jack, this episode is really great. We always want to see how all walks of Chinese life lives like in China. The more difference from the main stream media the more we will want to watch. Keep it up mate !!!
Hey seriously, you guys are bloody impressive. Your understanding of Chinese culture is next level for laowais. Even better than a large majority of ABCs growing up in a Chinese household. I truely wish the Chinese government would give out special visas to people like yourself. You've done so much for China.
Glad to know that this culture of China has a similar set-up here in the Philippines. Because we Filipinos are known for having a strong and close family ties. We believe that families should be together and help each other out. Especially to the elders. Learned a lot to this content, so sad to the suicidal story of the elder with 8 children. 😭 Anyway, thanks for this video Nico and Jack! Loving your gesture of sweetness on the 7:52 part of this video. 🥰 Happy Monday love birds! Haha
Greetings from the states. Incredibly well done video! Kudos! As a 62 year old who is still working and struggling with software deadlines I was a bit surprised to hear "Look at this guy, OMG he's 65 and still alive!" Although.... I'd rather be retired on Hainan island than still working! Thanks so much for the awesome content! Wishing you both the very best.
Regarding that exam question, you have a legal responsibility to save your mother in that situation, not your girlfriend, as a girlfriend has no legally binding relationship with you in any aspect as per the law in China. If the question is a choice between your wife and your mother, then it would be a more moral question as you have a legal reponsibility to save them both (and it wouldn't appear in a judical exam). That's why Chinese people value marriage so much in a relationship, because it literally brands legal responsibilities into each other and makes a relationship actually serious
I edited English-language cover letters and resumes for Chinese students who wanted to study in various design programs around the world, and it was super common for the students to say that their design goals included helping the elderly to be more active, feel more included, etc.
I hope there is a combination of respect as in the east and also the social security system as in the west. Aging is going to be an important social issue for us to tackle in the near future!
Depends on what country in the West. In Australia, we have a pretty good Social Security system (but so does China). I question USA. I have found that USA Citizens are the most neglected Citizens in the Developed World by their Government. It's a Corporatist Country where most of the Tax Payers money goes to, leaving very little Tax Payers money for their actual Tax Payers.
Most of socialistic (communist included) countries have government retirement system. We have social security in US, I don’t understand why I need to pay social security out of my social security income and it’s not even close to support minimum living.
@@ALWH1314 Mate, all I can say is, in all my travels around the world, USA Citizens are the least looked after by their Government. This is what happens when you live in a Corporatist Country ... 1% of the Population own 90% of the Country's wealth. With all the Tax Funded Corporate schemes (with this pseudo concept of "Trickle Down") the Government has very little money left to spend on Civic Infrastructures and Civic Services). It is sad to see that the Richest Country in the World does NOT share its riches with Every Single Tax Paying Citizens ... but only enjoyed by a minority percentage of the Citizens with over abundance of materials, personal resources and extraordinary access to services.
Retired people grew up their families, built roads, bridges, airports, high ways, high-speed trains, hospitals, schools, and many more, which youth are using today. Therefore, retired old people deserve good treatment. This is a chinese tradition that come from Confucius. 尊老爱幼。
as a child i had the same expriences as you. my grandparents were caring of me a lot. there a lot of happy memories. now i am an older guy working with 3 chinese partners who are 20 to 38 years younger then me. i love to share my experiences of my life as entrepreneur with them and they are so much caring about me. even i want to lift a not so heavy box they are running to me to avoid me from damage. i think we had it too in europe but now we lost that attitude. but we all could have a better life if someone shares his experiences with us in a younger age. and we all feel better if someone is caring of us when we are older.
11:00 There is a story my mom told me: A woman has 3 child by her own birth and an adopted one. They all grew up, move out and raised their own family. During one of the Festival, the mother was waiting for one of her child to invite her to come over for dinner. Here was the thought process and actions of each of the child: The eldest thought that the youngest was the mom's favourite and surely he will invite their mom over for dinner, so he decided not to invite. The second and the youngest assumed that their eldest brother, being the eldest, will invite their mother over for dinner, so each of them did not invite their mother. The adopted child thought that he was adopted, and surely his mother will prefer to dine with her own birth child, so he decided not to invite their mother. But then, the wife of the adopted son said that they should just invite their mother for dinner, regardless of the other children and let their mother choose where to go for her festive dinner. In the end, they were the only child who invite their mother for dinner. Moral of the story according to my mom, don't think of what others think or do, just do your part.
"To honour old people as we do our own aged parents, and care for other's children as one's own" Mencius's Word passed down from generation to generation and Have been engrained into Chinese Culture.
As far as I can say, even in the poor times, Chinese seniors can bear loneness much more than the seniors out of China, now with better lives they have than those passed away 15, 20 years ago, their lives get more choices, styles. See, mostly, the people's earning, finance play key facts for the differences. A government first and most important job is making a country economy to keep developing and stable, the second job? Making the inside and outsides of the country peace and safe.
On my trips to Chengdu I always enjoyed seeing the "dancing aunties" in the park and the mall behind my wife apartment. Even if the parks here had the amenities that the parks in China have, i.e. exercise equipment and open spaces, I doubt the older senior citizens here would use them much. It is a whole different mind set.
Ahha it seems to be a birthday week, Nico, Jack and me. Are we all Leos? I really like your topic in this episode. You have a deep observation about China's aging problem. I think there's another reality to explain why most Chinese grandparents take care of grandchildren instead of the parents. Because we don't have mature social children upbringing system, meanwhile, most urban families can not afford to raise their children when one parent gives up job.
I love how positive you guys always try to be and how much you try to understand and learn about a very different culture rather than judging it. Your perspective and voice are so important in today’s world!
A Chinese here from Hong Kong living in the US, the questions about the big fire who would you safe, reach my age now, definitely my parents first, since younger people should be independent and know how to take care of themselves, then girlfriends, wife, boyfriends and husband would know better how to take care of themselves.
My dad took early retirement and enjoy his life to the fullest and hardly stay at home while i'm stuck in office work and hardly got the chance to enjoy fully.
the government would like them to have fun and stay healthy instead of being miserable going in n out of hospitals..... that's the difference and benefits of investing in social programs than healthcare programs
Living in UK, I enjoy visiting old mansions, cathedrals, museums and countryside other than partying, and I don’t like going to pubs/clubs because dancing in heals makes my knees hurt. Now I feel quite old😂
Picking your mother is kind of the right answer. Your mother is obviously much more older than both of you so chances are they are seniors with physical problems. While your wife/gf could also have these problems, her younger age means faster reflexes, better decision making and higher chance of saving herself without your help.
🤣maybe from a lawyer's/law perspective you have a legal obligation to preserve the mother's health & wellbeing while don't have that obligation to your gf
Chinese culture respect the elder, even given as respected title to them (Lao = Old) such as, Lao she (Mr. Teacher), Lao Pan ( Mr. Boss), Lao way ( Mr. Foreigner) ......
Well, atleast in China, Asia, they love their elderly. 2 months ago I visit the hospital in the Netherlands, with my mom (80+) for a vascular examination legs. The doctor said to me, if something happens, they will not even try to do a Resuscitation or cpr. Just because of her age. I was flabbergasted. Asked when, how, why. It's a standard policy now adays, he did not wanted to tell me from what age they will not do that. Gave me also an example, even if you are 50 and you are already having hartproblems, they will do no cpr. This policy is strickt within the hospital (area) itself. On the (public) street, private area's and you call 112 (911), that's a different story. The policy was already in operation more then a year ago. And he mumbles also it's about the costs. This is how we in Holland treat the elderly and weak (health), just let them die, because otherwise the financialbill will be to high.
Chinese parents pay for their children's education. Including university. So their children know for a fact that their successs are possible because of their parents
When I was in Shenzhen before the pandemic, public transport was free for seniors over 60, including foreigners. We had to show our passport as proof of age if asked but most of the time they just waved us to go through.
Thanks for articulating the culture behind the sociological phenomenon. Top top, really intriguing content! I hope you could make some bold attempts to talk about the feminism, the LGBTQ, the sustainability in China. Wish you all the best, love from Paris!
China undoubtedly emitting more carbon than any countries in the world due to their furious and rapid growth the last 40 years. China is however now a leader in sustainability building more green cities, produces more solar panels, electric vehicles and transportation to help reverse and stop population to the earth. There are more work that needs to be done LGBTQ community though the LGBTQ communities have freedom than ever before. Women's rights is also very robust in China and they work and contribute in every aspect of Chinese societies. Of course more work can always been done here as well. China is growing and learning and will continue to improve socially. I hope they continue on this trajectory.
Regarding about the Judicial exam question about who to save between the wife and mother during a fire ...the logical answer to this question should be posed to who asked this question...if the wife should ask the question to her husband then the husband should posed his answer to his wife... whether she wants her son to save her or her daughter in law... the same goes to the husband who asked this question... in this moral world of filial piety in Chinese culture the norm should be the elders irrespective of relationship...
It is time my fellow Australians stopped rubbishing China and opened up their minds because China is working miracles for young and old That is a lot more than my inept Australian leaders are doing for their young and old
@@tamterence5561 yeah... I feel só bad for my parents for having emigrated from china to Portugal only to here be working until 68 years (retirement year, and it keeps increasing). If they stayed in China, they would be retired years ago and living the calm life they deserve (all my family that never left china, are thriving and in much better financial situation than us). I really hope to earn enough to be able to financially support them and make them retire in their "early" 60s.
Come and see what happening in the UK, oldery people working in supermarkets and offices to an old age just to top-up their pension and this going all over Europe to.
It's not a yes or no question to me, it depends on the quality of company that the parents had offer to the child, if they are bad and mean towards their child, I don't see why the children are still asked to choose them over their partner
eee....i dont know why but many parks in NYC...or just gravesend brooklyn....i smell weed all the time and can find broken glasses very often. The answer to the wife or mother question is hard....either way i will regret and feel awful that i cant save the other. But the practical and logical answer will be whoever i see first and higher chance of saving. still will feel like crap after it.
well it is a culture thing around Asia : love your baby and respect the elders. there are some story tells bad things happen if you dont fellow this culture.
The fact that you(Nico) even expect(or demand) him to pick you over his own mother, would be very, very controversial in China. Kinda caught me off guard when you said it out loud as if that would the naturally correct answer...
👍👍👍 Thanks for a very informative and interesting vlog about how senior citizens are respected and honoured in China; and had the opportunity to retire gracefully with an active social lifestyle (with exercises) and a good support system. It is always amazing to see the numbers of beautiful parks all over in the country where the elderly can enjoy themselves, socialise and have a happy and safe livelihoods Blessings from Malaysia. 🍾🥂🕊
It is important to note that the question states "girlfriend", not wife, which, different from girlfriend, is legally considered a family member. The law states that you have an obligation to look after your family member, so obviously a mother would take precedence over a non family member. Now I'm no lawyer but I don't think you're legally obligated to save your mother over your wife.
My mother is so busy with her own entertainment in China, very often when I call her she is either with friends or doing sth else and ask me to call back if I have nothing important to talk!😂😂😂
Yes,it’s true. My father is 92 & my mom is 84, living in a happy healthy way in China
That's one of the surprises I came across in China as well. How active their Elderly Citizens are. China's parks in particular. There are so many public facilities, exercise equipment, dances, singers, etc. for the Elderly to par take in ... basically everywhere I went. I have NOT seen anything like that in Australia (and I've travelled Australia).
I went on a bus trip full of Aussies to Hangzhou. There was this Elderly man in his mid 70s at a park doing his slow stretch routine. The Aussies in the bus decided to get out and join him in his stretches. We were all much younger than him. We copied his movements for at least 20 minutes ... then ... this elderly Chinese Citizens decided to do scissor kicks in the air, jumping and leaping. But for a couple, all the other Aussies fell over, some just gave up, others were totally bent over and panting heavily. I didn't even try. It was the most hillarious moment I've ever experienced in my life. But regardless of all the Aussie body carnages on the Park, this Elderly Man kept his composure, stayed focus, did NOT twitch and continued as if nothing was happening around him (but I swear I saw a little tiny grin on his face).
there is an old saying in China, old ginger is much hotter
@@adamliuyadong4711 I love that saying. China are the best I've seen in my travels in looking after their Elderly. No ... wrong ... NO looking after their Elderly BUT ... providing EVERYTHING the Elderly need so they can look after themselves in terms of: Hospital support; Medical support; Elderly Structures and Exercise equipment in Parks; food and beverages for the Elderly; Social clubs for the Elderly; Dance and Music classes for the Elderly; free appropriate transportation for the Elderly; a purpose MADE CITY for the Elderly; etc. To be old in CHINA you live like and are treated like, Royalty. To be fair, China's Elderly made the BIGGEST SACRIFICE in their ENTIRE life, willing to work for $1 a day on old Labour INtensive factories for the Rich People of USA. Today, the young generation have modernised the old factories using AI Robotics, given them the chance to live the Middle Class life styles they all enjoy today. This is TOTAL respect to the Elderly, the labourers to make the greatness of China today. A Coopers to the young adults of China for showing such immense RESPECT for your Elderly. You don't lock them up, on their own, in some building, to be looked after by some stranger ... and in isolation.
@@dranzacspartan8002 your understanding and insight about elder life in China is amazing, in China, we all know that Piety is the foundation of all virtues, if you don't treat your parents and your grandparents good, you are definitely not a good person, the whole society will not recognize you.
百行以孝為先
There is this ancient saying: Among all virtues, Filial Piety comes first!
He could be an aged spartan then
My husband was once put into a job interview with some shortlisted candidates. One of the questions (irrelevant according to my husband) being ask by the examiner and interviewer is "A old man and a youth fall into the sea and who would you save?) Almost everyone said either the old or the young with their reasoning except for my hubby. And the interviewer with the rest of the candidates were stunned for awhile. He said it has nothing to do with age, life is precious, every life young or old is a life, he can't choose who he would save, he could save only the one he can get his hands on. He got the job.
Truly, a profound answer.
Whatever! As long as American hypocrisy exists.
Ha! That test is about finding someone with a quick thinking skill and getting the job done.
It is a good answer, but I would save the one with more years ahead, that way you have saved more ‘life’. Also, if I was the old drowning person, I would not want a young person to die instead of me.
The older people here in China are always busy and always out and about socializing or exercisesing. I wish it was more of a thing back home ! We have a lot to learn in this regard.
In their 20's or 30's, China didn't have a free job market, nor did it allow Chinese to move freely. Therefore, it's very possible that after the elderly got out of school, they got assigned with a job, and worked & lived at the same place for decades until China opened up in 1980's. Thus they tend to be friendly and socializing because they used to be in very closed communities.
@@xw3132 That should have been given as a personal opinion. Without a professional independent study we should not unduly influence public opinion unless it's done for the public good.
@@xw3132 dsb
@@weizhang2834 ？
@@adamiskandar5107 I feel like you are quoting some TV shows, but anyway, the no free job market and no freedom of movement was absolutely true. My parents, born in 1970s, still got there jobs (pretty decent) by assignment right out of college.
In the award-winning documentary series "The Story of China," British historian Michael Wood presents a book titled, "How to Help Old People Live Better, More Fulfilling Lives....printed in 1085 A.D.! He quotes: "To care for old people, you have to look at the nature of their whole life. Everybody has things that they really like, things that make them glad. Books, paintings, music...there are millions of things that people like. If a person frequently seeks out the things that they've loved all their life, and focuses on their essence, and has these things around them, it will give them endless joy and pleasure, and their days will be joyful."
Again, this is from a self-help book from over 1000 years ago! This shows not only how much China values old people, that there was a market for books on helping them, but how old China itself is, that one thousand years ago it had already developed to the point that there were printed books on self-help, along with a large population with the disposable income to purchase them.
I am living in Belgium at this moment and haven't seen my grandparents for more than 3.5 years. They are getting old so fast and I really hope that the travel restrict can ease up soon so that I can go back and see them again. But at the same time easing the travel restriction means probably China will give up zero-covid policy which will put my grandparents who are 70+ and have heart problem to face covid. Such a dilemma :(
Take swan test, get result, show results to health authorities, enter hospital for medical check up, get advice from doctors, all can be done within a day.
One key factor in senior citizens' lives in China: their pension system, at least for most city dwellers. I met people who retired at 55 (women teachers), got their apartment free of mortgage, no real estate land tax, low cost utilities, low cost food, and a growing pension. One teacher who was earning 800 yuan a month in her peak last job was getting over 7000 yuan a month at age 75 (20 years after retiring and she looked like younger than 60) as their pensions are linked to average salary income and CPI. The seniors benefits from inflation and rising average salaries! There are quite a few RUclips videos made by foreigners to support this observation of mine.
Teachers' pension are really exceptional in China. Most professions do not get that kinds of pension. The teachers are the lucky ones.
@@magnetospin The reason for that is in the past, teachers do not earn a lot. The high pension is used to maintain teachers in the profession. I was a primary school teacher back in 2007 in China and at that time, the salary was low compared to other jobs, but the future after retirement was bright. But later, I think around 2010, there was a reform regarding the pension. For the new teachers later, they won't get as much as the previous ones.
Is this accurate? She earned 800 yuan a month in her peak, but was getting 7000 yuan a month of pension? This kind of pension scheme would bankrupt the country in no time. Good luck China !!!
@@patleo123 Yea, it's true, but only for teachers who's been retired for a while. Lots of teachers didn't make much back in 1990s and early 2000s. They may only be making a few hundred a month when they retired. The economy as a whole grew many, many times since then so they get an adjustment in their pension.
u r talking about teacher, not average ppl.
China society worship teacher very very much. many workers in factory and small bussiness are not that lucky.
I love watching your videos as I live in China too so I like to see other people's journeys 😊
Chinese traditional culture - respecting the old and loving the young
尊老爱幼是我们的传统美德😉
Hi Nico and Jack, this episode is really great. We always want to see how all walks of Chinese life lives like in China. The more difference from the main stream media the more we will want to watch. Keep it up mate !!!
Hey seriously, you guys are bloody impressive. Your understanding of Chinese culture is next level for laowais. Even better than a large majority of ABCs growing up in a Chinese household.
I truely wish the Chinese government would give out special visas to people like yourself. You've done so much for China.
Glad to know that this culture of China has a similar set-up here in the Philippines. Because we Filipinos are known for having a strong and close family ties. We believe that families should be together and help each other out. Especially to the elders. Learned a lot to this content, so sad to the suicidal story of the elder with 8 children. 😭 Anyway, thanks for this video Nico and Jack! Loving your gesture of sweetness on the 7:52 part of this video. 🥰 Happy Monday love birds! Haha
@426firefly Things are always a lot worse in America. Beats me why so many people want to live and work there?
This is an excellent report on ageing in China.
Greetings from the states. Incredibly well done video! Kudos! As a 62 year old who is still working and struggling with software deadlines I was a bit surprised to hear "Look at this guy, OMG he's 65 and still alive!" Although.... I'd rather be retired on Hainan island than still working!
Thanks so much for the awesome content! Wishing you both the very best.
haha well I hope you get the chance one day! Thanks for watching!
Regarding that exam question, you have a legal responsibility to save your mother in that situation, not your girlfriend, as a girlfriend has no legally binding relationship with you in any aspect as per the law in China. If the question is a choice between your wife and your mother, then it would be a more moral question as you have a legal reponsibility to save them both (and it wouldn't appear in a judical exam). That's why Chinese people value marriage so much in a relationship, because it literally brands legal responsibilities into each other and makes a relationship actually serious
Thank you for clarifying.
I edited English-language cover letters and resumes for Chinese students who wanted to study in various design programs around the world, and it was super common for the students to say that their design goals included helping the elderly to be more active, feel more included, etc.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience in China.
Glad you enjoyed it! thank yo so much!
I hope there is a combination of respect as in the east and also the social security system as in the west. Aging is going to be an important social issue for us to tackle in the near future!
Agreed. In the west there are a lot of grey voters to.
Depends on what country in the West. In Australia, we have a pretty good Social Security system (but so does China). I question USA. I have found that USA Citizens are the most neglected Citizens in the Developed World by their Government. It's a Corporatist Country where most of the Tax Payers money goes to, leaving very little Tax Payers money for their actual Tax Payers.
Most of socialistic (communist included) countries have government retirement system. We have social security in US, I don’t understand why I need to pay social security out of my social security income and it’s not even close to support minimum living.
@@ALWH1314 Mate, all I can say is, in all my travels around the world, USA Citizens are the least looked after by their Government. This is what happens when you live in a Corporatist Country ... 1% of the Population own 90% of the Country's wealth. With all the Tax Funded Corporate schemes (with this pseudo concept of "Trickle Down") the Government has very little money left to spend on Civic Infrastructures and Civic Services). It is sad to see that the Richest Country in the World does NOT share its riches with Every Single Tax Paying Citizens ... but only enjoyed by a minority percentage of the Citizens with over abundance of materials, personal resources and extraordinary access to services.
Retired people grew up their families, built roads, bridges, airports, high ways, high-speed trains, hospitals, schools, and many more, which youth are using today. Therefore, retired old people deserve good treatment. This is a chinese tradition that come from Confucius. 尊老爱幼。
Being an only child that must put a lot of pressure on them.
However, the elderly in rural areas do not receive the care they deserve, and their contribution is by no means lower than that of the urban elderly.
我们年轻人也想啊～但是你知道，近代中国百年屈辱，我们历史上落下的太多，先烈们拿命去填，我们这一辈的只有好好学习和工作，希望我们的后代能生活在一个发达和平的中国。
近代100年不到而已，对于历史轮回来说，他就是一瞬间，只不过刚好我们这代人感受到了，这就是激励我们发愤图强的原因
yes, in Shenzhen, people over 60, free ride subway, free bus, free entrance to park.
as a child i had the same expriences as you. my grandparents were caring of me a lot. there a lot of happy memories. now i am an older guy working with 3 chinese partners who are 20 to 38 years younger then me. i love to share my experiences of my life as entrepreneur with them and they are so much caring about me. even i want to lift a not so heavy box they are running to me to avoid me from damage. i think we had it too in europe but now we lost that attitude. but we all could have a better life if someone shares his experiences with us in a younger age. and we all feel better if someone is caring of us when we are older.
11:00 There is a story my mom told me: A woman has 3 child by her own birth and an adopted one. They all grew up, move out and raised their own family. During one of the Festival, the mother was waiting for one of her child to invite her to come over for dinner. Here was the thought process and actions of each of the child:
The eldest thought that the youngest was the mom's favourite and surely he will invite their mom over for dinner, so he decided not to invite.
The second and the youngest assumed that their eldest brother, being the eldest, will invite their mother over for dinner, so each of them did not invite their mother.
The adopted child thought that he was adopted, and surely his mother will prefer to dine with her own birth child, so he decided not to invite their mother.
But then, the wife of the adopted son said that they should just invite their mother for dinner, regardless of the other children and let their mother choose where to go for her festive dinner. In the end, they were the only child who invite their mother for dinner.
Moral of the story according to my mom, don't think of what others think or do, just do your part.
I enjoyed your video.
Really like your video. Very high quantity. I guess at least one of you have design background. Hope you will have more subscribers.
Thank you for this educational video! I shared it! 👍🏼
I always learn something unexpeted and deep from you two. Love you guys!
Nice video !
Jack sprialing about his young age leads to this brilliant video about how thriving elderly folks are in China.
"To honour old people as we do our own aged parents, and care for other's children as one's own" Mencius's Word passed down from generation to generation and Have been engrained into Chinese Culture.
As far as I can say, even in the poor times, Chinese seniors can bear loneness much more than the seniors out of China, now with better lives they have than those passed away 15, 20 years ago, their lives get more choices, styles. See, mostly, the people's earning, finance play key facts for the differences.
A government first and most important job is making a country economy to keep developing and stable, the second job? Making the inside and outsides of the country peace and safe.
On my trips to Chengdu I always enjoyed seeing the "dancing aunties" in the park and the mall behind my wife apartment. Even if the parks here had the amenities that the parks in China have, i.e. exercise equipment and open spaces, I doubt the older senior citizens here would use them much. It is a whole different mind set.
I love this here! They even have pegs for your coats in some parks it’s so nice to have such amazing spaces available,
Ahha it seems to be a birthday week, Nico, Jack and me. Are we all Leos? I really like your topic in this episode. You have a deep observation about China's aging problem. I think there's another reality to explain why most Chinese grandparents take care of grandchildren instead of the parents. Because we don't have mature social children upbringing system, meanwhile, most urban families can not afford to raise their children when one parent gives up job.
I love how positive you guys always try to be and how much you try to understand and learn about a very different culture rather than judging it. Your perspective and voice are so important in today’s world!
A Chinese here from Hong Kong living in the US, the questions about the big fire who would you safe, reach my age now, definitely my parents first, since younger people should be independent and know how to take care of themselves, then girlfriends, wife, boyfriends and husband would know better how to take care of themselves.
Love this detailed observations.
My hometown is in a rural area in Fujian Province, where the government employs one person to cook for the elderly.
My dad took early retirement and enjoy his life to the fullest and hardly stay at home while i'm stuck in office work and hardly got the chance to enjoy fully.
Respect for elders is an Asian wide culture. Not just China
Wow, at the end of this video, the story of that man made me cried.
There is no other answer than save my mom first. I think that's how we as Asians are being taught since we were kids.
非常棒的视频，你们对中国的传统文化越来越理解。中国现在的问题还有很多，农村留守老人的养老问题只是其中一个。期待政府能在相关方面做出更大的努力。
I'm a Malaysian Chinese from Fujian province, yes we may be overseas Chinese but our tradition remain and filial piety is still very strong and alive
the government would like them to have fun and stay healthy instead of being miserable going in n out of hospitals..... that's the difference and benefits of investing in social programs than healthcare programs
Living in UK, I enjoy visiting old mansions, cathedrals, museums and countryside other than partying, and I don’t like going to pubs/clubs because dancing in heals makes my knees hurt. Now I feel quite old😂
Interesting video🧡
It’s so inspiring! thank you!
Picking your mother is kind of the right answer. Your mother is obviously much more older than both of you so chances are they are seniors with physical problems. While your wife/gf could also have these problems, her younger age means faster reflexes, better decision making and higher chance of saving herself without your help.
🤣maybe from a lawyer's/law perspective you have a legal obligation to preserve the mother's health & wellbeing while don't have that obligation to your gf
In rural area, elderly will stock and farm a lot things just prepare for their kids to union in special occasions.
welcome guys to changsha
I think there are age dynamics in the Chinese workplace indeed. However, it's probably much more severe in Japan and Korea.
Chinese culture respect the elder, even given as respected title to them (Lao = Old) such as, Lao she (Mr. Teacher), Lao Pan ( Mr. Boss), Lao way ( Mr. Foreigner) ......
老婆，老公，哈哈😃
Dude, you are amazing. Love your video.
Good vlog ! ... :)
Well, atleast in China, Asia, they love their elderly.
2 months ago I visit the hospital in the Netherlands, with my mom (80+) for a vascular examination legs.
The doctor said to me, if something happens, they will not even try to do a Resuscitation or cpr. Just because of her age.
I was flabbergasted. Asked when, how, why.
It's a standard policy now adays, he did not wanted to tell me from what age they will not do that. Gave me also an example, even if you are 50 and you are already having hartproblems, they will do no cpr.
This policy is strickt within the hospital (area) itself. On the (public) street, private area's and you call 112 (911), that's a different story.
The policy was already in operation more then a year ago. And he mumbles also it's about the costs.
This is how we in Holland treat the elderly and weak (health), just let them die, because otherwise the financialbill will be to high.
That is very sad to know
Mother or boyfriend, I will choose my mom first. My mom is older, my bf is fit enough to save himself.
Chinese parents pay for their children's education. Including university.
So their children know for a fact that their successs are possible because of their parents
Is that a normal thing for any parents to do
Senior Citizen Discounts
Half-price for visitors between 60 - 64 years of age
Free entry for visitors over 65
When I was in Shenzhen before the pandemic, public transport was free for seniors over 60, including foreigners. We had to show our passport as proof of age if asked but most of the time they just waved us to go through.
Great video!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks for a wonderful video.
🇨🇳 Culture is respectful and obedient to elders
Great one!!! haha!!love your script!
It's a repeating cycle in Asia countries for grandpa and grandma looking after their grandchildrens to lessen the burden of those adults at work
Confucius: Foremost among all virtues is the Filial Piety
Confucian value is humanity in regards to life
It's in their culture to hold older people with regards, basically.
This video gives me another perspective to reflect on some fading tradtional Chinese culture, for example, filial piety.
I'd save my mother, 100%
My birthday is coming up in about a month and I too dread getting older 🙃 (jack looks 28 to me)
Well explain👍🏻
Very good content
Thanks for articulating the culture behind the sociological phenomenon. Top top, really intriguing content! I hope you could make some bold attempts to talk about the feminism, the LGBTQ, the sustainability in China. Wish you all the best, love from Paris!
China undoubtedly emitting more carbon than any countries in the world due to their furious and rapid growth the last 40 years. China is however now a leader in sustainability building more green cities, produces more solar panels, electric vehicles and transportation to help reverse and stop population to the earth. There are more work that needs to be done LGBTQ community though the LGBTQ communities have freedom than ever before. Women's rights is also very robust in China and they work and contribute in every aspect of Chinese societies. Of course more work can always been done here as well. China is growing and learning and will continue to improve socially. I hope they continue on this trajectory.
Regarding about the Judicial exam question about who to save between the wife and mother during a fire ...the logical answer to this question should be posed to who asked this question...if the wife should ask the question to her husband then the husband should posed his answer to his wife... whether she wants her son to save her or her daughter in law... the same goes to the husband who asked this question... in this moral world of filial piety in Chinese culture
the norm should be the elders irrespective of relationship...
It is time my fellow Australians stopped rubbishing China and opened up their minds because China is working miracles for young and old
That is a lot more than my inept Australian leaders are doing for their young and old
I hope to spend many years of my retirement traveling China.
I hope you get the chance!
just go to have square dance after dinner when u are retired like my mum. hahaha then travel with her 闺蜜 to beaches sometimes...
btw my mum was retired at 50
@@tamterence5561 yeah... I feel só bad for my parents for having emigrated from china to Portugal only to here be working until 68 years (retirement year, and it keeps increasing). If they stayed in China, they would be retired years ago and living the calm life they deserve (all my family that never left china, are thriving and in much better financial situation than us). I really hope to earn enough to be able to financially support them and make them retire in their "early" 60s.
I would save both in the answer. Just works harder and faster!
Jack is about 32yrs old Max.
Hope the west learn from Chinese and treat their elders well
Very honest review of the country. Although the propaganda is strong. Your use of VPN is highly illegal my friend
支持你们！！
I like this kind of topic
Respecting the elderly is so much eastern thing like in india China Vietnam and all unlike in the West, when i first visited the US
Come and see what happening in the UK, oldery people working in supermarkets and offices to an old age just to top-up their pension and this going all over Europe to.
It's not a yes or no question to me, it depends on the quality of company that the parents had offer to the child, if they are bad and mean towards their child, I don't see why the children are still asked to choose them over their partner
😙❤Chinese Taiwan❤Chinese Taiwan❤
eee....i dont know why but many parks in NYC...or just gravesend brooklyn....i smell weed all the time and can find broken glasses very often.
The answer to the wife or mother question is hard....either way i will regret and feel awful that i cant save the other. But the practical and logical answer will be whoever i see first and higher chance of saving. still will feel like crap after it.
well it is a culture thing around Asia : love your baby and respect the elders. there are some story tells bad things happen if you dont fellow this culture.
The fact that you(Nico) even expect(or demand) him to pick you over his own mother, would be very, very controversial in China. Kinda caught me off guard when you said it out loud as if that would the naturally correct answer...
She said that he's a "liar", though....
I would prefer my husband to save his mother as you only have 1 mother. As for us, we can always divorce 😜
Hi Nico can u try to get domestic car makers to sponsor you and explore NW China,you done before.
Mother would be old and probably need the help and partner would be young and more fitness With not as much ailments etc.
Go Nico, rescue our mate and bring him out of his mood....!
👍👍👍 Thanks for a very informative and interesting vlog about how senior citizens are respected and honoured in China; and had the opportunity to retire gracefully with an active social lifestyle (with exercises) and a good support system.
It is always amazing to see the numbers of beautiful parks all over in the country where the elderly can enjoy themselves, socialise and have a happy and safe livelihoods
Blessings from Malaysia. 🍾🥂🕊
It is important to note that the question states "girlfriend", not wife, which, different from girlfriend, is legally considered a family member. The law states that you have an obligation to look after your family member, so obviously a mother would take precedence over a non family member. Now I'm no lawyer but I don't think you're legally obligated to save your mother over your wife.
Save mother or girl friend ...? Well, it is not good to answer any hypothetical question. ... :)
jack is 35 years?
My mother is so busy with her own entertainment in China, very often when I call her she is either with friends or doing sth else and ask me to call back if I have nothing important to talk!😂😂😂
What jack research is awesome and Chinese place family first.
Jack looks late twenties… maybe. Regardless, both you and Jack still have miles in your odometer. Ask Amy, it’s probably in the food as well😘❗️👍