Immigrate to the United States and enjoy U.S. benefits: There are three sources of income for Americans after retirement: first, the pension issued by the federal Social Security Administration; second, pensions provided by government agencies and private companies to their employees; and third, the retirement savings accumulated by employees themselves during their working years. For most people, the pension issued by the Social Security Administration is the primary source, followed by the money saved in their own retirement accounts, while the number of companies and institutions providing pensions is decreasing.
The United States does not have a mandatory retirement age. If you have worked for at least 10 years and accumulated 40 work credits, you can start receiving your pension as early as age 62. Green card holders who meet these conditions are entitled to the same treatment. However, the amount of pension each person receives varies significantly based on the amount of wages reported for taxes, the length of employment, and whether one chooses to claim it early. In addition, if one's employment history is unstable, there is no pension, or if one is over 65 when becoming a U.S. citizen, they may receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provided by the government, which ranges from approximately 400 to over 800 U.S. dollars, depending on state regulations.
In addition to pensions, another important aspect of retirement security is healthcare. Retired seniors in the U.S. typically hold two cards: Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, covering both outpatient and inpatient services. Medicaid is a supplement to Medicare, serving as a medical assistance program established by state governments for individuals with low income and limited assets. Taking Dr. Chen as an example, if one enjoys free medical care, they may still need to pay a monthly insurance premium of 240 dollars. Grandma Zhong, who holds both Medicare and Medicaid, receives all medical services free of charge. Furthermore, the U.S. government provides convenient services for the elderly, such as free transportation to medical appointments and home-based care services.
Unlike in China, where most elderly people live scattered and senior apartments are often built in quiet suburbs, the U.S. government places great importance on community-based elderly care. Various cultural and recreational centers for seniors, as well as apartments, are located in city centers, close to hospitals and with convenient transportation, making it easier for seniors to visit each other and avoid loneliness. The U.S. government provides different types of apartments based on the income and physical condition of the elderly.
Community-based elderly care in the U.S. is also reflected in the numerous private non-profit organizations that serve the elderly. These organizations are primarily funded by the government. For example, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in Boston's Chinatown has been providing services to Chinese-American seniors in areas such as language, meals, entertainment, and transportation for over 40 years.
In American society, there is no traditional concept of "raising children to provide for old age" as seen in China. The comprehensive social security system takes care of every aspect of the elderly's lives. Coupled with the fact that Americans are very independent from a young age, many are quite willing to enjoy living alone in their twilight years. This is only a challenge for those who grew up in the Chinese cultural sphere and are accustomed to having children and grandchildren around them.