At the Guangming Mountain Senior Nursing Home on the outskirts of Beijing, 81-year-old Mrs. Han sits across from 24-year-old elderly ability evaluator, Ma Shuang, and nurse Li Dongmei. “Can you dress yourself?” Ma gently asks. “Are you able to go to the bathroom on your own?” These questions are part of a crucial evaluation conducted four times a year to monitor the well-being and functional abilities of the residents.
After graduating with a degree in Senior Citizen Services and Management, Ma joined the nursing home as an elderly ability evaluator. Her role involves assessing the abilities of senior residents through interviews, physical tests, and analysis of medical reports. Each evaluation takes about 30 minutes and covers four major areas: daily living activities, mental state, sensory and communication functions, and social participation.
“The evaluation is much more than just filling out forms,” Ma explains. “It’s about engaging with the elderly, understanding their needs, and creating a sense of trust so they feel comfortable sharing their struggles.”
China’s rapidly aging society makes Ma’s role increasingly significant. According to an official report released in October by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the China National Committee on Aging, China’s population aged 60 and above reached nearly 297 million in 2023, accounting for 21.1% of the total population. The number of people aged 65 and above hit 216.76 million, representing 15.4% of the population.
This demographic shift has prompted the government to take significant steps to develop a comprehensive and efficient elderly care system. In 2020, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recognized the profession of elderly ability evaluator. Professionals like Ma are tasked with providing precise and personalized services to the elderly, ensuring they receive the support they need while maintaining dignity and autonomy.
Standardized evaluation processes are being adopted nationwide. Cities like Beijing, Shijiazhuang, and Shanghai have implemented systems for elderly ability evaluations. In Liaoning Province, which has one of the highest elderly populations in China, three provincial-level demonstration training bases were established in July. Su Min, an official from the Liaoning Provincial Civil Affairs Department, reported that over 80,000 evaluations have been completed so far.
Reflecting on her work, Ma says, “I’m not just helping to assess their abilities; I’m giving them a voice. For many elderly people, these assessments help them understand their own needs and offer suggestions on how to improve their daily lives.”
As China’s aging demographic is set to increase rapidly in the coming decades, professionals like Ma will be key to ensuring that elderly citizens live their later years with dignity, independence, and the care they deserve. To address the shortage of qualified professionals in this field, more universities and vocational schools across China have started offering programs in elderly care, healthcare management, and gerontology. By 2023, over 770 higher education institutions were offering related programs, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
The role of elderly ability evaluators is more than just a technical job; it is an act of compassion and a vital component in addressing the challenges posed by China’s aging population. With dedicated professionals like Ma leading the way, there is hope that the elderly in China will continue to receive the care and support they need.
Reference(s):
China's elderly ability evaluators ensure quality of life in old age
cgtn.com
