As the world faces an aging population with increasing life expectancy, planning for retirement has become a pressing issue for many. In the United States, the cost of elderly care can be prohibitively high, leading many Chinese communities, particularly in Taiwan and mainland China, to consider these locations as future retirement options. Recently, we spoke with Zhang Guoxing, CEO of Huaxing Insurance, who has spent the past year visiting nearly ten elderly care facilities in Taiwan, including the popular Chang Geng Village and the well-regarded Haohao Garden, which specializes in caring for dementia patients.
Zhang emphasized that as of May this year, there were approximately 4.38 million people aged 65 and over in Taiwan, making up 19% of the total population. This number is expected to rise to 4.7 million next year, crossing the 20% threshold, with about 800,000 to 900,000 individuals requiring care. In Taiwan, elderly care services are primarily funded by personal expenses or commercial insurance, while some medical care is covered by the national health insurance.
Chang Geng Village stands out as one of the most prominent facilities, collaborating closely with Chang Geng Hospital. Spanning over an area equivalent to more than 30 soccer fields, it boasts 100,000 trees and extensive green space, creating a familiar and comforting environment for elderly residents returning from the U.S. Its mission is to ensure that seniors live well, age slowly, and experience fewer health issues. The village includes amenities like a restaurant offering fresh fruit, a weekly farmers’ market, and transportation to nearby Carrefour stores three times a week for a change of pace in dining options. Crucially, the village is not isolated, featuring a 7-Eleven for convenient shopping.
“I found the living arrangements enticing,” Zhang revealed. “The apartments include options with one bedroom and one living room or one bedroom and two living rooms, with areas around 46 square meters. Each unit has an independent balcony, and the bathrooms are designed with accessibility in mind. The monthly fee is around $1,000. The environment is enriched by the proximity of an emergency center and a garden trail for leisurely strolls.” Residents engage in various activities such as dancing, playing music, and sports, with regular evening events fostering a vibrant community spirit. He also shared a touching story about a couple who, after 47 years living in the U.S., chose the village as their retirement home, praising its rich cultural and spiritual life.
With Taiwan currently home to 350,000 dementia patients—a number that is climbing—there is a pressing challenge for companies on how to care for the aging parents of engineers sent overseas. Haohao Garden, located in Taichung and founded by Professor Ji Jinshan, who was inspired by his own parents’ struggles with dementia, offers a homelike setting designed for comfortable living. “There are over 90 elderly residents, each room uniquely decorated, and long-term residents can choose their furniture and accommodations based on their needs without feeling like they’re in a hospital,” Zhang explained. The facility is surrounded by farms, promoting sensory engagement and recovery. Care staff work in three shifts to provide round-the-clock assistance, charging around $900 per month, with approximately $100 contributed by the government. The facility also features social venues like a bakery and karaoke, vital for maintaining social interactions, which are crucial for delaying the onset of dementia.
Beyond these facilities, Zhang visited Qinfeng Nursing Home, Taiwan’s first self-operated kindergarten and retirement community. He noted how the modernized rooms and the kindergarten on the first floor bring joy to the elderly residents through interactions with children. “The engagement between young and old fosters a culture of respect and care for the elderly from an early age,” he added.
Zhang’s insights paint a picture of a developing elderly care landscape that prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and community connection, ensuring that the aging population can continue to thrive.
