Global Times reports on the declining state of elderly care and support in China:

In traditional Chinese society, elders command respect from their children who are expected to care for them and provide financial support during their golden years.

This has been true for thousands of years and even today it remains a core value in the country. But times are changing and with more young people living and working far from home, elders are relying more on a government pension which is a drop in the bucket.

An official from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security told China Economic Weekly that corporate retirees can get about 1,200 yuan ($176) in pension each month. However, people in rural areas may receive as little as 55 yuan ($8) a month, or 660 yuan ($97) a year.

Some elders are so desperate to get out of this situation that they try to end their suffering by committing suicide.