China is on the brink of transitioning to an aging society, with a distinctive trend of "aging before wealth". This study explores the reasons and experiences of elderly individuals who seek companionship in their twilight years through park-based blind dates and marriage introduction services. To achieve its objective, the study carries out non-participant observation and in-depth interviews at three parks and a marriage introduction agency located in Harbin, China. The interviewees comprise elderly individuals who are either single, divorced or widowed, along with their children. The study examines the yearning and challenges faced by elderly individuals who are impeded from discussing and engaging in remarriage due to Chinese cultural norms and family dynamics. The study seeks to address the paucity of research in the relevant field in China. Furthermore, it aims to raise public awareness regarding issues of loneliness and the romantic and sexual lives of the elderly.

Authors:
Wanchun Wang, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau
Zhen Sun, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau

About the Presenter(s)
Ms. Wanchun Wang is currently a postgraduate student at the Macau University of Science and Technology, specializing in Integrated Marketing Communications. Her research interests include elderly marriage, health communication, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Connect on Linkedin
http://www.linkedin.com/in/wanchun-wang-219a3129a

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Wanchun-Wang

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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