Over half of Shanghai elderly have 'empty nests'

More than 50 percent of elderly residents in Shanghai live independently apart from their children, according to Jiefang Daily.

A survey conducted by a sub-department of the National Bureau of Statistics in Shanghai shows the number of retired people increased 4 percent to 3.78 million in 2012 and 60 percent of those surveyed had monthly incomes higher than 2,000 yuan ($330), the report said.

Elderly residents in Shanghai are mostly satisfied with convenient traffic conditions and enjoy frequent visits from the younger generation. Although 53.8 percent of senior couples live away from their children, they said they are satisfied with the situation because their children visit them during holidays and at weekends.

Possible worsening health conditions and a lack of proper pension programs were two main concerns of elderly people in Shanghai.