Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children'
A new industry known as the 'loneliness economy' is emerging in China, where individuals are hired as companions for the elderly. The BBC investigates how these 'temporary children' services operate amidst rising social isolation in urban areas.
Why it matters
It highlights the growing social crisis of elderly isolation in rapidly aging societies and the emergence of market-based solutions to address human connection.
Why the lonely in China are hiring 'temporary children' Close In China's cities, despite the huge crowds, or maybe because of them, residents can feel very isolated.
Now, a new industry being dubbed the "loneliness economy" has emerged, with people hiring themselves out as companions to help the elderly.
The BBC's China correspondent Stephen McDonell visits a company that does just that, to see how their business works.
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