Adult children often live far from their elderly parents and cannot care for them regularly. It would seem that the first step should be to hire a trusted caregiver. An unusual service has emerged in China: strong men are taking jobs as outsourced "sons" — something like personal bodyguards and companions.
A new service emerged thanks to a self-proclaimed "adopted son" from Liaoning province in northeastern China. The man gathered a "team of bodyguards" — tough, muscular men in black who frequently visit nursing homes and hospitals, bringing gifts to elderly people.
The posts of the "outsourced son" sparked widespread public resonance. Gradually, more Chinese people became willing to take on this role.
Primarily, the "outsourced children" provide emotional support to the elderly, accompany them during visits to clinics, help with shopping, resolve conflicts with neighbors, and monitor the behavior of caregivers.
"I started doing this after my friend's mother went missing last year. I joined the rescue operation, and we searched for her for three or four days. Unfortunately, we found her when she was dead. This experience deeply touched me and made me want to do something good," said a 33-year-old man named Akai, who works as a hired "son."
In three months, the "team of bodyguards" grew from nine people to over a thousand. The cost of their services ranges from 500 to 2500 yuan (from 5800 to 2900 rubles) per session. Despite the high cost, "outsourced children" are in demand — the organization has already opened branches in cities across China.
"We do everything we can. If any of the clients become emotionally attached to us, I won’t just disappear after the job is done. I will keep in touch," added Akai.
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