China has unveiled sweeping reforms to ensure universal access to elderly care services, with Minister of Civil Affairs Lu Zhiyuan declaring the initiative a national priority at a Sunday press conference. The plan centers on establishing a three-tier support network spanning urban and rural areas, blending home-based care with community resources and institutional expertise.
'Just as schools provide education and hospitals deliver medical care, society must develop specialized infrastructure for aging populations,' Lu asserted. The framework emphasizes home care as its cornerstone, bolstered by localized community programs and professional facilities integrated with healthcare systems.
Officials outlined five strategic pillars: infrastructure planning, financial mechanisms, workforce development, pension system modernization, and technology integration. Particular attention was given to leveraging digital solutions to improve service efficiency – a critical consideration given China's rapidly aging demographics. Analysts suggest these measures could reshape elder care standards across Asia's largest economy while creating opportunities in healthcare technology and urban planning sectors.
