With the increasing longevity of the global population, aging has become a pressing issue for everyone. As the costs of elderly care in the United States continue to rise, many in the Chinese community are considering options in mainland China and Taiwan for their retirement. Zhang Guoxing, the CEO of Huaxing Insurance, has spent the past year visiting nearly a dozen elderly care facilities in Taiwan, including the popular Chang Geng Health Village, as well as the Happy Garden for residents with dementia and diverse care locations with kindergarten facilities.
Zhang notes that as of May this year, Taiwan has 4.38 million individuals aged 65 and older, making up 19% of the total population, projected to reach 4.7 million next year, surpassing 20%. Among them, about 800,000 to 900,000 require care. Most elderly care facilities in Taiwan operate primarily on a private pay or commercial insurance basis, though some healthcare services can be accessed through national health insurance. Chang Geng Health Village stands out as the most representative facility, operating in collaboration with Chang Geng Memorial Hospital. Spanning over 30 football fields, the village features 100,000 trees and vast green spaces that offer a comforting environment familiar to many American retirees. The village’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors, promote longevity, and ensure lighter health issues. The on-site restaurant sells fresh fruit and hosts a small farmer’s market every Thursday. Three times a week, specialized transportation takes residents to the nearby Carrefour for grocery shopping, providing them with a change of pace. Crucially, the village maintains a connection to the community, housing a 7-11 store for residents’ convenience as well.
Zhang details that the types of housing available in the village include one-bedroom and studio apartments, with the one-bedroom units at approximately 46 square meters featuring a separate living area. While the kitchens are compact, they are fully equipped, and the bathrooms are designed for accessibility, including wheelchair-friendly sinks and accessible toilets. Each unit also includes a private balcony. Monthly accommodation costs are around $1,000. What attracts Zhang the most is the environment, with an emergency center within walking distance and serene walking paths adjacent to vegetable gardens. Residents can dance, play musical instruments, participate in sports, and enjoy a variety of evening activities. A couple who had lived in the U.S. for 47 years found their ideal retirement spot here in 2007 after exploring various locations, expressing that the spiritual life here is rich and fulfilling.
Taiwan currently has approximately 350,000 individuals living with dementia, a number that continues to grow. Many engineers from Taiwan have been sent abroad in recent years, raising concerns about who will care for their aging parents if they require long-term care. One facility, the Happy Garden in Taichung, was founded by Professor Ji Jianshan after witnessing the challenges faced by his parents with dementia, inspiring him to create a nurturing environment for seniors. Zhang mentions that the Happy Garden is located near three universities, allowing for dynamic interaction. He emphasizes that while families often shoulder the care of elderly relatives, trained staff can provide a familial atmosphere while delivering professional care and better resources.
The Happy Garden’s primary goal is to promote a high quality of life in old age. It accommodates over 90 seniors, with uniquely decorated rooms that residents can personalize after living there for more than a year. Based on individual needs, residents can choose to add assistive devices, ensuring a homelike feel rather than a clinical atmosphere. The surrounding farmland fosters sensory engagement. Care staff work in shifts to provide round-the-clock assistance for residents, with costs amounting to about $900 per month, partially subsidized by the government. The facility also boasts a baking room and karaoke spaces, which are vital for fostering social connections among older adults and may help delay dementia progression.
Zhang also visited the Qingfu Nursing Home, Taiwan’s first self-operated kindergarten facility, where he observed the modern rooms and the kindergarten located on the ground floor. This unique setup allows seniors to enjoy the joy brought by children, promoting interaction and nurturing positive attitudes towards the elderly from a young age.
