Social security status in rural old populations of Qiqihar city

ObjectiveTo study social security status of old populations in rural Qiqihar for improvement of social security system in countryside.MethodsIn May to June 2012,a questionnaire interview was conducted among 261 old residents in three counties of rural Qiqihar city.ResultsAmong the old residents,the coverage rate of new rural cooperative medical care was 92.7%,but the living expenses of the old residents(55.2%)was mainly undertaken by their children.The proportion of the old residents covered by basic living allowance,five guarantees for poor,households,and welfare benefits was 31.3%,5.7%,and 53.3%,respectively,and only 9.2% of the old residents had endowment.ConclusionCurrently,the cover age of social assistance is low in the elderly in rural Qiqihar city and the social security for the elderly in the countryside is at a low level.