CHINA: Aged parents want children to visit often

. SHANGHAI, China / The Shanghai Daily / January 1, 2009 By Fei Lai WHAT do parents want most from their adult children? A survey has shown that regular visits are ranked by far the most important thing for aged parents. More than 90 percent of respondents hoped their kids will come home to see them regularly when they are old. The Gerontological Society of Shanghai, which conducted the survey, found parents also wanted their kids to call them every day, ensure they were healthy and happy all the time, tell them their own worries and troubles and listening to their news. Parents also hoped their adult children would learn to communicate with them, not send them to homes for the aged, appreciate the care they once received from their parents, respect their parents' living habits and support their hobbies. "Care from children is much more important than money," said Wu Hanzhang, who runs www.oldkids.cn, a Website providing services for the elderly. "However, because of work pressures, many young people hardly find any time to listen to their parents' concerns." Copyright © 2001-2008 Shanghai Daily Publishing House