Parents who lost only child receive greater support (3)

The four-month partnership runs from September to December, serving seniors aged 60 and older from 106 households who have lost their only child.

"The government needs to rely on social groups' outreach to communities and volunteers. They can provide everyday services, such as health checkups or haircuts," said Zhang Gaoqiu, an official from the Family Planning Association in Anhui.

When the program ends this year, Zhang's office will try to extend it and apply for further funds from the China Family Planning Association.

In Wuhan, capital of Hubei province, such families are also struggling with limited financial help and despairing about getting older and frailer, said Li Minglan, 58, the founder of Heart-to-Heart Family Association, a mutual support group.

Li's only son died from a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 21 in 1999. She suffered from severe depression and had to be hospitalized. She found consolation through helping others who had similar experiences to rebuild a life.

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