China is intensifying its efforts to enhance elderly care as the nation confronts the challenges posed by an increasingly aging population.
At a national conference on civil affairs held on Monday, officials presented significant progress in boosting home-based care, nursing facilities, and senior protection initiatives in 2024, alongside unveiling new measures planned for 2025.
Home-based elderly care, deeply rooted in traditional family values, remains a cornerstone of China’s approach, catering to the majority of seniors who prefer to age in place. In 2024, the central government allocated 300 million yuan ($41.73 million) to support nationwide elderly meal assistance programs. Additional initiatives led to the establishment of 358,000 in-home care beds, significantly improving access to care for seniors across the country.
Institutional care has also witnessed substantial advancement. By October 2024, China boasted 404,000 elderly care institutions and facilities, marking a considerable expansion in resources dedicated to senior care.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Civil Affairs plans to introduce policies in 2025 aimed at promoting greater social participation among the elderly and safeguarding their legal rights. These measures are expected to enhance the quality of life for seniors and integrate them more fully into society.
Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2023, China had 297 million people aged 60 or above, accounting for 21.1 percent of the total population. This demographic shift underscores the urgency of developing robust elderly care systems to meet the growing demand.
Reference(s):
China expands elderly care initiatives amid aging population challenge
cgtn.com
