Here most elderly either gets support in their own home by professionals (by the local government) or at a home with professional care (run by the local government).
I'd rather spend time with my family on our own terms and not because I have to support them.
That’s common as well if they can mostly look after themselves and only need say a weekly visit from a nurse.
I think the only difference is the children are expected to pay.
It’s maybe half live with their kids and the rest live independently.
> or at a home with professional care
This is common when they need full time care. But this is usually only a small % and not for long.
And again the kids pay.
> I'd rather spend time with my family on our own terms and not because I have to support them.
That’s one way to think about it.
My perspective is my parents supported me for 16 years and so I have a duty to support them.
I think it is good for character, helps people to appreciate life, and helps build meaningful relationships. It also means grandparents get to spend lots of time with their grandchildren.
Speaking as an Asian, I grew up in a culture where parents, and elders in general, are super-important. Things are changing now, but many of us are still very close to our parents.
In old-school thought, taking care of one's parents is seen not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to serve them, and to repay them (in some small measure) for the love and care we have received from them in our childhood.
When my grandfather passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his 60s, my father was distraught that he did not get an opportunity to serve him.
My point is, many of us view the situation differently - not as a burden, but as an opportunity.
However, it is undeniable that sometimes it can be a burden, and for those situations, it would have been excellent to have the government take care of the elderly, as it is done in your country.
Edit: A typo.