The Inherent Behavior Logic and Practical Path for Rural Mutual Support for the Aged

Rural mutual support for the aged is one of the elderly care modes in the Chinese context. With the reciprocal support value from traditional Chinese culture, the rural life, which is based on geographical relationship and consanguinity, provides possibilities of mutual support for the aged. The nature of rural mutual support is the combination of self-support and reciprocal support, which reflects the concept of social capital theory. There are three core dimensions of social capital, including social networks, social resources and social trust. In line with these three dimensions, this study explores the inherent behavior logic, the dilemma and the possible practical path of the rural mutual support for the aged. Meanwhile, this study proposes that mutual support for the aged could be promoted in the future by the engagement of multiple service providers, the improvement of the service providing system and the enhancement of the social trust of the elderly by displaying the strengths of traditional Chinese culture. Overall, the social capital theory provides a conceptualized foundation to explain the nature of rural mutual support for the aged, and further improvement measures, which are conducive to the development the rural aged-care service and the promotion of the elderly well-being in rural areas.