Aging Work -- Exploring a New Paradigm

Author: Zhao Baohua
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Comrade Zhao Baohua's Exploration of Geriatric Work (hereinafter referred to as Exploration) is a systematic monograph on the theory and practice of geriatric work. The publication of this book is not only a personal achievement of his but also a concrete manifestation of the increasing vitality in theoretical research on geriatric work in China as practical work has been strengthened. I am genuinely delighted to see this book published.
Exploration reflects Comrade Baohua's dedication and spirit of exploration in the field of geriatric work. Since his transfer from the military to the Civil Affairs Ministry in 1988, he has worked in personnel, public relations, the General Office, and geriatric work. During two periods of collaboration with me, I deeply felt that he is highly committed to his work, diligent, eager to study, and often seen writing articles or research reports, which are very inspiring. In 1996, while conducting a survey in Mudanjiang City, he wrote A Banner of Civil Affairs Directly Managed Institutions, which quickly received a directive from Minister Dojicai Reng and led to a national experience-sharing meeting being held in Mudanjiang. In 1997, he led a delegation to Hong Kong, returning with a report titled A Vibrant Social Welfare Service System Led by the Government and Implemented by Civil Organizations, which was also circulated nationwide by Minister Dojicai Reng. In 1998, he began working on geriatric issues and has maintained a high level of enthusiasm, persisting in learning, emphasizing research and surveys, and delving into geriatric problems in line with practical work. He has written numerous insightful articles and led the drafting of several important documents and papers. Recently, he specifically organized the writing of A Reader for Geriatric Cadres. As a leader, many of his speeches and articles are written by himself, a practice highly commendable. Through hard work and diligence, he has acquired a systematic understanding and grasp of the theory and practice of geriatric work. We advocate for expert-level practitioners, and I believe Comrade Baohua fits this description.
I carefully read Exploration and found three notable characteristics:
1. Systematicity: The book provides in-depth research and valuable theoretical summaries on fundamental issues of geriatric work, such as its origins, nature, goals, tasks, role, and status. It also covers various aspects, including elderly poverty, elderly security, elderly consumption, elderly tourism, elderly apartment management and services, and positive aging.
2. Foresight: The author observes and reflects on China's geriatric work in the context of macro trends in socioeconomic development, offering forward-looking insights, such as those in articles like Development of Science and Technology, Life Expectancy, and Health, On the Modern Home-Based Elderly Care Model, New Developments in Science and Technology Will Open Broad Prospects for China to Address Geriatric Issues in the 21st Century, and Discussion on the Framework of the Geriatric Policy System. These articles demonstrate an innovative mindset, broaden perspectives, and inspire thinking.
3. Guidance: Many of the articles in the book were written based on practical needs, making them highly relevant. The proposals and suggestions they offer are grounded in reality and provide guidance for geriatric work across various regions. For example, articles such as Thoughts on Creating Advanced Geriatric Work Counties, Several Issues in Strengthening the Construction of Elderly Associations, Eight Key Issues in Urban Community Geriatric Work, and Running Elderly Newspapers Requires Adhering to Four Unities offer valuable references for ongoing practical work.
Geriatric work requires theoretical guidance; without it, the work may go astray. The development of geriatric theory relies on the of both practitioners and experts, with particular emphasis on the former. I hope the publication of Exploration can serve as an advocacy, encouraging more geriatric workers to prioritize theoretical learning and exploration in practice, contributing to the enrichment and advancement of geriatric theory. China should make greater contributions to the global geriatric cause in the field of theoretical development.
Li Baokui
October 23, 2003