Embracing the Opportunities of China’s Aging Population
As China experiences a significant demographic shift, the aging population is often portrayed as a looming challenge. However, Dr. Justine Coulson, United Nations Population Fund Representative in China, encourages a different perspective. She views the growing number of elderly citizens not as a problem but as a positive outcome of successful socioeconomic development.
“We shouldn’t actually just posit the aging population as a problem that needs a solution,” says Dr. Coulson. “It means that people are now living longer lives because they have better nutrition, better healthcare, better education than previous generations. And we really need to celebrate that as one of the success stories of China’s phenomenal socioeconomic development we’ve seen in recent decades.”
Indeed, longer life expectancy is a testament to improvements in living standards. Dr. Coulson emphasizes that older people are active members of society, contributing to communities and families in meaningful ways. “Just because you’re older doesn’t mean that you just need looking after,” she notes. “You actually need to live in a society where your desire to contribute is supported and enabled.”
Fostering Healthy and Active Aging
The focus, according to Dr. Coulson, should be on promoting healthy aging. This involves preventative health interventions throughout a person’s life to ensure that when they reach old age, they do so in good health. “It’s not that you suddenly become 65 and you’re poor, or you become 65 and you have a health problem. We can actually track that right back to when you’re born,” she explains.
Investing in quality, affordable social care is also crucial. While many elderly prefer to stay within their communities and maintain independence, there will be times when additional care is needed. Dr. Coulson highlights the importance of accessible care that does not impose financial burdens on families. “We need to make sure that when older people need care, families with less income aren’t plunged into economic crisis,” she says.
Reimagining Elderly Care in China
China has made significant strides in expanding its care infrastructure, with nearly 19,500 primary medical and health institutions suited for elderly care built by the end of 2022. However, Dr. Coulson points out that institutionalized care is not the only, or even the preferred, option for many. “In China at the moment, we have just over 5 million beds available in institutionalized care for older people, but currently less than 45 percent of those are occupied,” she observes.
She advocates for innovative care models that allow older people to remain active and engaged within their communities. “We need to look at maybe more innovative care models that will allow older people to retain some level of independence and actually remain in the communities as they wish,” Dr. Coulson suggests.
Changing Perceptions of Aging
Dr. Coulson also underscores the need to shift societal perceptions of aging. She notes that in China, older people are often visible and active in public spaces, engaging in exercise, running businesses, and contributing to society. “There is something intrinsic in Chinese culture that really does value older people,” she says.
However, she believes more can be done to promote intergenerational interactions and challenge stereotypes. “Sometimes when younger people think about older people, it is in this sort of passive care recipient model,” Dr. Coulson explains. Encouraging more engagement between generations can foster a better understanding of the valuable roles that older people play.
Looking Ahead
As China navigates its demographic changes, embracing the opportunities presented by an aging population is essential. By focusing on healthy aging, investing in diverse care models, and changing societal perceptions, China can ensure that its elderly citizens continue to lead positive, active, and healthy lives.
Reference(s):
Decoding China: An aging population has to be positive and healthy
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