Table 1.

Interview topic guide

Pre-designed questions	Prompts questions
The experience of empty-nest life
•What are your main recreational activities?
•Do you live with your children?	•If not, what are the reasons for not being able to live with your children?
The experience and perception of their illness
•What is the most serious illness you’ve had in recent years?	•How do you feel when you are sick?
•What was the most difficult thing you had when you were sick?	•How do you deal with these difficulties?
The experience of seeking medical services
•What kind of treatment will you take when you are ill? (Simple treatment, intermittent treatment, regular treatment, or no treatment.)	•Can you tell me about what has influenced your decision?
•Where do you go to seek for treatment when you are sick? (village clinic, township central clinic, city hospital)	•What has influenced your choice?
•Is it convenient for you to visit the doctor when you are sick?	•If not, what are the specific reasons?
•Who usually accompany you to visit the doctor? (by yourself, with your relatives or family members)	•How do they provide help? •What is your feeling about their help?
Expectations for improved access to medical treatment and service
•What do you think the government should do to deal with the difficulty of empty-nest elderly in seeking medical services?