For years my parents, both in their 80s, have lived alone in an apartment in downtown Beijing by themselves.

A domestic helper comes twice a week to help them with household chores such as cooking, washing clothes, and cleaning the house. My mother, 82, runs most errands, buying groceries and occasionally picking up medicine at the hospital. My father, 86, who suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, stays at home most of the time, watching TV or reading newspapers.

Both have pensions, of around 6,000 yuan ($910) each month, so they basically have nothing to worry about except their health.