Before pensions in the West, they'd get help from other relatives, nieces and nephews most commonly or others from the extended family. If there were no relatives, usually the village or church would give some very meager charity to them, called "going on the parish", or they'd become beggars in towns.

beggars in the street.. or a walk to the closest river or lake!

They are discarded to care homes much like elderly people globally

https://www.theworldofchinese.com/2026/01/china-elder-care-p...