Chang, Ye, Xiaofan Guo, Liang Guo, Zhao Li, Hongmei
Thapa, Deependra Kaji, Denis Visentin, Rachel
Yang, Shasha Yu, Guozhe Sun, and Yingxian Sun.
Kornhaber, and Michelle Cleary. “Migration of Adult
“Comprehensive Comparison between Empty Nest and
Children and Mental Health of Older Parents ‘Left
Non-Empty Nest Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study among
behind’: An Integrative Review.” PLOS ONE 13, no. 10
Rural Populations in Northeast China.” International
(2018). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0205665.
Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13, no. 9 (2016): 857. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph13090857.
This article found that being left behind is negatively associated with the mental health of older adults. Proving that psychological problems of empty-nesters elderly
This report is focused on empty-nest elderly in rural and
are common problem, such as loss of cognitive function,
urban areas in Northeast China, and discussed the influence
depression, anxiety and loneliness. By synthesizing the
of “time brand” (Wars, foundation of New China, Great
research related to the mental health of elderly parents left
Chinese Famine, the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution)
behind, this study advances our theoretical and empirical
and geographical condition on the elderly, which provides a
understanding of outmigration of adult children and its
reference for the paper. Studies analyzed the psychosocial
implications for the psychological well-being of the parents.
problems the empty nest elderly had to strive to cope with,
Resources are provided in this article to diagnose the
including loneliness, anxiety disorders, and depression: the
psychological problems of the elderly.
so-called “empty nest syndrome”. The article also reveals some elderly people's stereotype concept of family left by culture progress. Chinese people put high hopes on the notion of raising children for the purpose of being looked after in old age, so the elderly have a strong emotional dependence on and high expectation of their children. Besides the children’s departure from home, other factors including lower income, less social support and a more negative coping style, education level, gender, retirees, and living in the rural areas also made the empty nest elderly more prone to depression.
Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunitiies for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: National Academies Press, 2020. This book focused on social isolation and loneliness in Older Adults summarizing the evidence base and exploring how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. The book offers an explanation of social isolation and loneliness.
Cheung, Man-Chung. “How China Is Closing the
Hawkley, Louise C., and John T. Cacioppo. “Loneliness
Digital Divide for Seniors.” Insider Intelligence. Insider
Matters: A Theoretical and Empirical Review of
Intelligence, April 5, 2021. https://www.emarketer.com/
Consequences and Mechanisms.” Annals of Behavioral
content/how-china-closing-digital-divide-seniors.
Medicine 40, no. 2 (July 22, 2010): 218–27. https://doi.
This article describes that the digital divide has widened
org/10.1007/s12160-010-9210-8.
especially in China. It gives powerful data to support
This journal looks at loneliness from a social perspective.
the reality of the factor and explains why this issue takes
As a social species, humans rely on a safe, secure social
on added urgency. The article describes how internet
space to survive and thrive. According to this journal,
adoption among seniors remains low, despite lockdowns
loneliness affects physical health and mortality and must
and pandemic-related travel restrictions. This is helpful in
be considered for mental health and cognitive functioning.
understanding how gender imbalance, delayed marriage,
Also provide some solutions to solve and alleviate
and a declining birthrate also contribute to the digital
loneliness.
divide.
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