Youth shaping the future of elderly care

In recent years, an increasing number of young people have joined the elderly care industry, including 23-year-old He Fuqu, the director of a nursing home in Wuhan, the capital of Central China's Hubei province.

Born in 2001, He graduated from Wuhan Social Work Polytechnic with a degree in elderly services. She began her career at 19 as an intern caregiver and assistant manager.

In March 2023, she joined her current company and quickly advanced to become the youngest director at one of its nursing home branches.

"Most of the managers at our nursing home are quite young, with the oldest being under 30," He said, explaining that the institution focuses on creating a vibrant and elderly-friendly environment.

And it works. He has observed that the young management team has brought positive changes to the industry. While traditional nursing homes, where she previously interned, primarily focused on providing basic care and essential services, her current institution goes further. The young team not only ensures that residents' basic needs are met but also prioritizes their mental and emotional well-being.