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In the previous two articles, we explored Taiwan's worrying ultra-low fertility rate, the economic pressures behind it, the social shackles, and the crisis of trust exacerbated by the childcare safety incident. However, this is not just an issue that affects individual or family choices. The decades-long trend of low fertility is pushing Taiwan toward a steep "demographic cliff," and the impact will be comprehensive and structural, profoundly affecting the future of every person in the land. Without facing these costs head-on, we cannot truly understand the urgency of taking action.

上一篇，我們勾勒出2025年台灣生育率的冰點數據，以及那層因托育安全事件而生的陰影。數字的背後，是無數年輕世代在生育十字路口前的猶豫、掙扎，甚至最終轉身離去。他們為何「不敢生」？這並非單一原因所致，而是由沉重的經濟負擔、僵化的社會結構與職場環境，以及一道新近被殘酷撕裂的信任防線，共同交織而成。 一、壓垮駱駝的經濟重擔：房貸與教育投資的雙重焦慮 談及生育的經濟壓力，許多人的直觀印象或許是初期的奶粉、尿布與托育費用。然而，在現行托育補助下，0-2歲階段送托的月付額雖仍是負擔，但對許多家庭而言，真正讓他們在生育決策前再三猶豫、甚至卻步的，是更為龐大且長期的財務承諾——沉重的房貸壓力，以及對下一代教育投資的深層焦慮。  「有房才有家」的壓力與房貸重擔： 華人社會普遍認為「有土斯有財」，擁有自己的房子常被視為成家立業的基礎。生育計畫的啟動，往往伴隨著購買更大、更穩定住所的需求。然而，在台灣（尤其都會區）高房價的現實下，這意味著長達二、三十年的巨額房貸。光是想到每月需償還的房貸本息，就足以讓許多薪資有限的年輕家庭對「再生一個」的想法感到窒息。房貸不僅是經濟負擔，更是一種對未來數十年生活品質與財務彈性的長期束縛。  「不能輸在起跑線」的教育投資焦慮： 在極度重視教育與文憑的台灣社會，對子女教育的投入被視為父母的責任與期望。這份期望在資源有限與競爭激烈的環境下，演變成巨大的焦慮感，具體體現在： ・沸沸揚揚的「公私校之爭」： 這是近期（2025年）家長們最關切的話題之一。公立學校雖然學費低廉，但家長可能擔憂教學品質、師資、同儕環境或希望能進入明星學區；而許多私立學校雖然標榜小班制、雙語或特色課程，但其高昂的學費（一年動輒數十萬）與激烈的入學競爭，讓許多家庭望而卻步或備感壓力。這種教育選擇的兩難與其背後的巨大費用差異，成為壓在父母心頭的重石。 ・「軍備競賽」式的額外投入： 除了學校教育，為了讓孩子更有「競爭力」，從學前的全美語幼兒園，到學齡後的各種補習班、才藝班、程式設計課…彷彿永無止境。許多家長感到，若不跟隨這股潮流投入大量金錢，孩子似乎就會在競爭中落後。這種被社會氛圍推著走的龐大教育開銷預期，構成了對未來財務的巨大不確定性。 總結來說，壓垮生育意願的經濟主因，已不再僅是初期的養育成本，而更多是「房貸」與「長期教育投資」這兩座大山所帶來的、對未來數十年財務狀況的深刻憂慮與不安全感。 這種對未來的預期性負擔，使得許多若僅考慮當下或許還能負擔的家庭，最終選擇了「少生」甚至「不生」。 二、社會期待與職場枷鎖 即使勉強跨過經濟門檻，社會結構與職場環境也往往構成下一道關卡。  「爆肝」的職場文化： 台灣普遍存在的長工時、高壓力、「責任制」文化，讓許多上班族身心俱疲，下班後已無餘力再去應對育兒的挑戰。  看得到吃不到的育兒支持： 雖然法律保障育嬰假、產假等權利，但在實際職場中，擔心影響考績、升遷甚至被變相資遣的壓力，使得許多人（尤其是女性）不敢請、不敢請滿。父親請育嬰假的比例更低，顯示共同育兒的觀念與支持仍待加強。  傳統性別角色的桎梏： 社會文化中，育兒的主要責任往往仍落在女性身上。許多女性被迫在職涯發展與家庭照顧間做出艱難抉擇，這種「母職懲罰」顯然不利於提高生育意願。 一位剛休完產假重返職場的行銷經理苦笑：「白天在公司奮鬥，晚上回家繼續奮鬥。先生想幫忙，但公司氛圍讓他不敢請長假。我感覺自己像個陀螺，不知道能轉多久。」 三、最深的恐懼：信任的裂痕與失靈的安全網 除了上述長期存在的壓力，近年來最令人憂懼的，莫過於那道深刻影響「敢不敢生」的信任裂痕。第一篇提到的「陰影」，正源於此。 • 「剴剴案」敲碎的信任基石： 這起發生在社福體系眼皮底下的悲劇，其衝擊之所以如此巨大且深遠，不僅在於事件本身的殘酷，更在於它暴露了理應最值得信賴的體系的系統性失靈。它揭示了： o 社工訪視可能流於形式： 在人力不足、高案量壓力下，社工的訪視品質、風險評估專業性及後續追蹤機制備受質疑。 o 權威機構監督的盲區： 如兒福聯盟這樣具公信力的機構，其內部對合作保姆的篩選、管理、稽核流程是否存在疏漏？風險預警機制是否有效？ o 跨網絡合作的失能： 不同單位（地方政府、社福機構、醫療系統）之間，是否存在資訊壁壘，未能及時串聯起警訊？ • 信任危機的骨牌效應： 當一個環節出錯，引發的是對整個體系的質疑。父母們開始恐懼：我找的居家保姆安全嗎？托嬰中心的老師可靠嗎？萬一家中遭遇變故，需要社會局或相關機構介入協助時，我的孩子能得到妥善的保護嗎？「連『專業』、『官方認證』都可能出錯，我還能相信誰？」 這種瀰漫性的不信任感，讓尋找托育資源變成一場令人膽顫心驚的賭博。 • 壓垮生育意願的最後稻草： 對於許多原本就在經濟與社會壓力邊緣掙扎的年輕人而言，這種對孩子「基本安全」的深層憂慮，往往成為放棄生育念頭的決定性因素。這是一種「我無法承受任何萬一」的恐懼，是對現有保護網能否真正發揮作用的絕望。 總結： 2025年的台灣，年輕世代之所以「不敢生」，是經濟重擔、社會枷鎖與信任危機這三重壓力疊加、交互作用的結果。每一重壓力都足以讓人卻步，而信任體系的裂痕，更是往這 precarious (岌岌可危的) 平衡上投下了一塊巨石。理解了這些盤根錯節的原因，我們才能在下一篇中，更清晰地看到若不積極應對，這場危機將把台灣帶往何種令人憂心的未來。

When we look at Taiwan's demographic data, a deep chill can't help but strike. The alarm bells about fertility have not only not stopped, but have become even more shrill due to new changes in the social climate. This is not only a long-lasting "demographic winter", but it is also compounded by recent social events that have cast a huge shadow over the sense of security in the child-rearing environment. Fertility figures at new lows According to the latest official statistics released by the Ministry of the Interior at the beginning of this year (2025), Taiwan welcomed only 134,856 newborns in 2024, which is not only a record low, but also the ninth consecutive year of negative growth. This figure is not only a record low, but also the ninth consecutive year of negative growth. This translates into a crude birth rate of 5.76 per 1,000 live births in 2024. Although the final "total fertility rate" (TFR) for 2024 has yet to be officially calculated and released, it is almost certain that the TFR will remain at this very low level in 2024, placing Taiwan at the bottom of the global league, given the low level of 0.87 in 2023 and the bottoming out of the birth rate in 2024. Looking ahead to this year, the National Development Council (NDC), in its latest population projections, forecasts that the total fertility rate (mid-projection) in 2025 will also be only 0.89 - an extremely dangerous signal, well below the 2.1 needed to maintain population stability. The twin faces of the crisis: economic pressures and the spectre of security For a long time, we have been used to attributing low fertility rates to the heavy pressures facing the younger generation: high housing and childcare costs, freezing salaries, long working hours, inflexible workplace culture, and changing personal values. All of these factors undoubtedly continue to have a profound impact on people's reproductive choices, creating an economic and social barrier that is difficult to overcome. However, even more chilling than the cold numbers and traditional pressures is the new shadow of "insecurity" that has been cast over the path of parenthood in recent years. The recent spate of horrific child abuse cases, especially the "Be Kindness Case", reveals a shocking gap from personal negligence to institutionalized loyalty, which is like chiseling a deep crack in the cornerstone of social trust. When nannies and childcare organizations, which are supposed to provide professional care and a safe haven, and even the social welfare referral system, which is supposed to be the last line of defense and has been entrusted with credibility (as in the case of the Alliance for Children's Welfare, the roles and responsibilities of which have been widely questioned), are all revealed to be potentially risky and malfunctioning in their supervision, a strong sense of mistrust spreads rapidly. This has led countless families considering having children, or who already have young children, to ask repeatedly, "Can my child be safely cared for? and "Who else can I trust? Can this social system really protect the most vulnerable of lives? Defining the core dilemma: In addition to "not being able to afford to have children," there is also the dilemma of "not daring to have children and not being able to trust them. Therefore, the fertility crisis in Taiwan in 2025 is no longer just a problem of "not being able to afford to have children or raise them" in terms of resource allocation and economic burdens. It has profoundly evolved into a double dilemma that overlaps security anxiety and trust crisis - a critical situation in which the young generation, even after crossing the economic threshold, may not dare to have children or trust the system due to deep-seated fear and distrust. This shadow under the freezing point is a reality that we cannot avoid. It warns us that if we do not fundamentally understand and resolve these intertwined pressures and crises, the future of Taiwan's society will face unimaginable challenges. In the next article, we will dismantle these multiple shackles in depth and explore what economic and social factors, as well as the magnified "trust crisis", have woven the net that makes the young generation "afraid to live".

A few months ago, a heartbreaking long-term care tragedy occurred in New Taipei City. A 73-year-old retired architect, who had been taking care of his wife, who suffered from hydrocephalus, was physically and mentally exhausted and could not cope with the pressure, so he let his wife fall from the 14th floor and then gave himself up. This incident has shocked the community, and what is even more concerning is that in eight similar cases of long-term care tragedies last year, the victims were all men. Behind these tragedies are revelations about the enormous pressure faced by male caregivers and the lack of social support. ‍Male caregivers: the invisible bearers of stress‍When we think of "caregivers," many people's first thought may be of women. However, as the social structure changes, more and more men are taking on the responsibility of family caregiving. According to statistics, the proportion of male caregivers in Taiwan is increasing year by year, but they often face greater psychological pressure and social expectations. ‍The source of stress for male caregivers is not only the physical burden of caregiving, but also the psychological isolation and cultural shackles. Due to traditional expectations of men as "strong and not tired," many men choose to hold back and not ask for help, leading to accumulated stress that may even lead to extreme behaviors. Psychological studies have also pointed out that men tend to be more "problem-solving oriented" than "emotionally expressive" when facing stress, making it more difficult for them to speak up when they need help. ‍ Social Welfare Support in Taiwan: A Life Circle for Male Caregivers ‍ To help male caregivers reduce their stress, the Taiwanese government and local authorities have provided a number of social welfare measures, which are listed below as some of the key resources: ‍1. Long-term Care 2.0 Policy ‍ Taiwan's Long-term Care 2.0 Policy, which provides a diversified range of services to caregivers. Long Term Care 2.0 Policy‍ Taiwan Long Term Care 2.0 Policy provides a wide range of services to support caregivers, in particular: ‍ Respite Services: Caregivers can apply for short-term substitute care, where a professional can take over for a short period of time to help the caregiver get some physical and mental rest. In-home service: professional care service workers come to the home to help with daily care tasks, such as cleaning, mobility or bathing, so as to alleviate the burden of caring. Day care centers: Family members who need long-term care can receive professional care in day care centers so that the caregivers can have time to work or rest. ‍2. Counseling and Support Groups ‍Male caregivers often have mental health problems due to long-term stress. To address this, the government and local agencies provide the following resources: Counseling Services: Through the Department of Health and Welfare or local mental health centers, male caregivers can receive free or low-cost professional counseling to help them release stress. Support groups: Social welfare agencies and community centers have "caregiver support groups" that provide a platform for male caregivers to share their experiences, help them learn caregiving skills, and build a community of mutual support. ‍3. Financial support and subsidies Financial pressure is a major challenge for caregivers, especially when they are unable to work full-time due to their caring responsibilities. The following financial support is provided by the government: Living Supplement for the Physically and Mentally Challenged: If the care recipient meets the qualifications of being physically and mentally challenged, the family can apply for a living supplement to alleviate the financial burden. Caregiver's Allowance: Some local governments provide a caregiver's allowance to subsidize families who are unable to work full-time due to caregiving responsibilities. Long-term care service subsidy: Depending on the family's financial situation, it is possible to apply for a partial or full subsidy for long-term care service fees to reduce the cost of care. ‍4. Specific programs for male caregivers‍In recent years, some local governments and non-profit organizations have launched specific programs for male caregivers, such as: Courses for male caregivers: Provide training on basic caregiving skills, so that male caregivers can have more confidence in coping with challenges. Psychological support programs: Workshops or activities to help male caregivers learn stress management skills and provide psychological support. ‍5. 24-hour hotline for caregivers ‍Taiwan has a number of 24-hour hotlines to provide immediate assistance: 1966 Long-Term Care Hotline: Answers questions related to long term care and helps to link to available resources. Peace of Mind Line 1925: Provides psychological support to help caregivers relieve stress. Why do male caregivers need more attention? ‍ Male caregivers experience stress not only from physical and financial burdens, but also from psychological isolation and cultural expectations. Because men are more likely to feel shame or discomfort when asking for help, they often choose to bear the burden in silence, leaving them unable to release the stress, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and possibly even extreme behavior. Therefore, support systems designed for men should focus more on mental health maintenance and provide resources and services that suit men's needs. ‍ Act with us to support male caregivers! ‍Male caregivers are an important part of family caregiving, but their stresses and challenges are often overlooked. If you have a male caregiver in your life, give them the care and support they need. If you are a male caregiver yourself, remember that you are not alone and there are many resources in the community to help you. ‍We at Sunyu Academy are committed to promoting relevant information and providing professional social work services so that every caregiver can get the help they deserve. Come and interact with us to create a friendlier environment for male caregivers!

In recent years, Taiwan's fertility rate has continued to decline. According to the Ministry of the Interior, the total fertility rate in 2023 will be 1.05, a record low. Late marriages and late births have become the norm, and with infertility becoming more and more of a concern, IVF has become an important option for many families to fulfill their dreams. In order to help more infertile couples, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has launched a brand new "Infertility Treatment Subsidy Program" since 2021, and will continue to expand the scope and amount of the subsidy, so that more families will have the opportunity to welcome the arrival of a new life. What is IVF subsidy? IVF subsidy is actually the "Infertility Treatment Subsidy Program" launched by the National Health Service of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Starting from 2021, the subsidy will be extended from low-income and lower-middle-income households to all eligible infertile couples, as long as one of the spouses is a Taiwanese national and the wife is under 45 years old, they can apply for the subsidy. Not only that, but the amount and frequency of the subsidy has also been significantly increased so that more families can afford the cost of IVF procedures. Who can apply? You can apply for the IVF subsidy if you meet the following three criteria: 1. Couples who have been diagnosed as "infertile" by a legal artificial reproduction organization and undergo IVF treatment. 2. The couple has completed marriage registration and at least one of them has R.O.C. nationality. 3. The wife is under 45 years old. How much is the IVF subsidy? The amount of subsidy is graded according to family income and can be up to $150,000 per visit! Here are the details: - Low-income and low-moderate income families: The maximum amount of subsidy is $150,000 per application. - Ordinary families: $100,000 for the first application and $60,000 for the second application. If the treatment is not completed, e.g. only egg retrieval or embryo implantation is performed, the amount of subsidy will also be calculated according to the situation, so that every cent of subsidy will be utilized. Frequency and Age Limits The IVF subsidy is not a one-time subsidy, but can be applied for multiple times! The number of subsidies for each child depends on the age of the wife: - Under 40 years old: up to 6 times per child. - 40 to 44 years old: up to 3 times per pregnancy. There is also a limit on the number of embryos that can be implanted, with a maximum of one embryo implantation for those under 36 years of age and a maximum of two embryo implantations for those between 36 and 45 years of age. How to apply? The application process is very simple! Simply prepare the following documents and submit them to the contracted organization receiving the treatment: 1. Both husband and wife's identity cards (original + photocopy). 2. 2. Seal of both husband and wife 3. A copy of the bank book (remittance account). Low-income and low-middle-income households need to prepare additional documents. After approval, the subsidy will be directly transferred to the designated account and notification will be sent by SMS. List of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Subsidy Organizations As of November 2024, the NHS has contracted with 102 artificial reproduction organizations, covering almost all counties and cities in Taiwan, so that infertile couples can receive treatments close to their homes. In addition to Taitung, Nantou, Penghu, and Lianjiang counties, there are hospitals or clinics throughout Taiwan that provide professional and convenient services. If you are in need, don't forget to check if the organization you are receiving treatment from is a contracted unit of the National Health Service to ensure that you can apply for the subsidy smoothly. Importance of IVF subsidy The cost of IVF treatment can be between $150,000 and $250,000, which can be a huge burden for many families. The government subsidy not only relieves the financial pressure, but also gives infertile couples the peace of mind they need to receive treatment and work hard to welcome a new baby. IVF is not only an advancement in technology, but also the starting point of many families' happiness. A boon to infertile couples The introduction of the IVF subsidy program is undoubtedly a major breakthrough in Taiwan's fertility policy. If you or someone close to you has a need for this program, don't miss out on this valuable resource! Share this article to let more people know the good news!

近日，台北市又傳出一起令人心痛的意外：一名39歲的靜宜大學助理教授，在住處頂樓加蓋的浴室內，疑因熱水器安裝不當而發生一氧化碳中毒意外。這起事件再次敲響警鐘，提醒我們居家安全的重要性，特別是對於獨居者而言。 根據內政部統計，2023年台灣65歲以上老年人口已突破418萬人，其中獨居長者更高達97萬人。在這些獨居長者中，有超過四成的住家存在不同程度的居家安全風險，包括老舊設備、建築結構問題、以及不符合高齡者使用需求的設施等。 今年72歲的王伯伯的故事，正是眾多獨居長者的縮影。退休前是木工的他，如今獨居在一棟有40年歷史的老公寓裡。「房子裡的問題我都看得到，但是手腳不靈活了，修不動了。」他指著屋頂滲水的痕跡說道。天花板的壁癌越來越嚴重，潮濕的環境讓他的氣喘時常發作，但有限的退休金讓他無力請專業人員維修。 「如果能早點發現就好了...」住在台北市的張奶奶，望著醫院的天花板喃喃自語。上個月，她因為浴室的地板磁磚鬆動而不慎跌倒，造成髖部骨折。這起意外不只帶來身體的傷痛，更讓我們看見台灣獨居長者所面臨的居家安全隱憂。 這些看似小小的居家問題，卻可能演變成重大的安全危機。根據消防署的統計，2023年因居家意外造成的65歲以上長者傷亡案件中，有超過60%與居家環境不安全有關，其中又以跌倒、燙傷和一氧化碳中毒最為常見。這些數據背後，每一個案例都是一個需要我們關注的生命故事。 社區關懷網絡 面對獨居長者的居家安全問題，台灣目前已建立多元的社會福利支持系統： 1. 居家安全評估與改善計畫 衛生福利部自2020年起推動「長者居家安全環境檢核與改善計畫」，透過專業評估人員進行居家安全檢查，並提供必要的改善建議。2023年度已完成超過15,000戶的居家安全評估，其中有7,000多戶獲得改善補助。 2. 社區整體照顧服務體系 全台已設立超過4,000個社區照顧關懷據點，提供定期關懷訪視服務。這些據點不只關注長者的生活起居，更扮演居家安全守護者的角色，及早發現潛在危險。 3. 在地安老整合計畫 各縣市政府推動「社區整合型服務中心」，結合：  居家環境改善  生活照顧服務  健康促進活動  社區營造計畫 4. 政府補助方案  台北市「臺北扶老‧軟硬兼施」專案  新北市「樂齡安居補助計畫」  各地方政府的居家無障礙環境改善補助 這些計畫雖然提供了基礎支持，但在實務執行上仍面臨： 申請程序繁瑣、補助額度有限、等待時間冗長、人力資源不足 等問題，使得許多真正需要幫助的長者往往無法及時獲得協助。 愛維修計畫：用行動編織安全網 在這樣的背景下，舜禹慈善基金會與台灣時間銀行協會攜手合作的「愛維修計畫」，為長者居家安全問題提供了一個創新的解決方案。 這項始於2017年的計畫，特別關注雙北及雲嘉地區的弱勢長者，提供即時且專業的居家維修服務。計畫的特色在於： 1. 專業維修項目  熱水器、瓦斯爐安全檢查與更換  瓦斯管線檢測  防滑設施安裝  基礎結構維護 2. 創新服務模式 透過與台灣時間銀行協會的合作，建立起互助循環的服務模式：  志工提供服務可累積時數  時數可用於未來自身或家人的需求  擴大社區互助網絡  促進世代間的連結與理解 3. 服務對象包括： 65歲以上長者、低收入戶、中低收入戶、弱勢邊緣戶…等。 建立獨居長者的安全生活環境 面對這些潛在的居家危機，愛維修計畫正在社區中默默守護著長者的安全。去年冬天，住在新北市三重的林阿嬤，在一次居家訪視中被發現她家中的熱水器存在安全隱憂。「我一個人住，都不知道這個熱水器會這麼危險。」林阿嬤說。 愛維修計畫的志工接到通報後，立即前往了解狀況。「這台熱水器安裝在通風不良的室內，而且已經使用超過15年，非常危險。」志工解釋道。在取得林阿嬤的同意後，愛維修計畫協助她申請補助，不只更換了新的熱水器，還將其安裝在戶外適當的位置，確保通風良好。 「現在洗澡特別安心，不會再聞到怪味了。」林阿嬤開心地說。這個案例正是愛維修計畫如何透過專業維修服務，及時預防悲劇發生的最佳示範。計畫不只提供實質的維修協助，更重要的是傳遞居家安全的知識，讓長者能夠安心地在熟悉的環境中生活。 這些努力或許無法完全杜絕意外的發生，但透過社區的關懷網絡與及時的居家安全維護，我們能夠為獨居長者建立更安全的生活環境。每一次的維修服務，都是對生命的守護；每一次的預防性檢查，都是對平安的守候。 這個計畫不只是簡單的維修服務，更是：預防性的安全維護、社區關懷的實踐、世代互助的橋樑、社會溫暖的展現 透過愛維修計畫，我們看到了民間力量如何補足政府資源的不足，也看到了專業維修服務如何轉化為實質的關懷行動。這正是社會工作強調的「助人自助」精神的具體實踐。 期待透過更多這樣的創新服務方案，我們能夠編織出更綿密的社會安全網，讓每一位長者都能在安全、舒適的環境中安享晚年。如果您或您身邊的長者有相關需求，歡迎與舜禹學堂聯繫，讓我們一起用行動守護長者的居家安全。