Your current location:HOME >opinions >More Services for Elderly Proposed 正文
TIME:2024-05-01 10:25:09 Source: Internet compilationEdit:opinions
Contact Us HomeNewsHighlightACWF NewsSocietyWom
Report reveals one in five people were over the age of 60 in nation last year
Population experts are calling for more optimized services and expanded pension services to offset challenges brought by China's aging population and the increasing pressure on the nation's healthcare and social security systems, while tapping the potential of the elderly to be better involved in social activities.
A recent report by the Ministry of Civil Affairs shows that as of the end of last year, there were about 280 million people aged above 60, accounting for 19.8 percent of China's population. That was up from around 267 million at the end of 2021.
As of the end of last year, the ratio of the non-working-age population to the working-age population reached 21.8 percent.
Peng Xizhe, director of the Center for Population and Development Policy Studies with Fudan University in Shanghai, said that China is facing a rapidly aging population, which won't be fixed quickly due to the declining birthrate.
"China experienced a 'baby boom' around 1963 to 1964, and with those people becoming old in the coming years, the nation is seeing a quickly growing aging population. Also, the decreasing birthrate makes the elderly people account for a larger proportion of the total population. The aging problem will continue for some time as the nation faces difficulty promoting the birthrate," he stressed.
He added that while the aging population hasn't placed greater pressure on social and economic operations so far, it may increase burdens on the nation's healthcare and social security resources in the near future.
"It's of great importance for the whole society and the elderly people themselves to change the traditional view of the aging problem as the elderly ones now have much better health conditions, mobility and a more sound education background. The 'younger' elderly have the ability to get involved in social activities, serve as volunteers or help their children manage family affairs.
"They are not 'burdens' on society. But improved employment and policies tailored for the elderly are still needed to encourage them to get back into society," he added. "It's also important to improve social services and healthcare for the elderly to slow or reduce their possibility of getting diseases, thus relieving family and social pressures. And the elderly can get a sense of security and happiness."
According to the civil affairs ministry's report, the nation has optimized services for the elderly by expanding pension services facilities such as nursing homes and barrier-free facilities in more city-level residential communities and setting up pension service majors at vocational schools.
The report said that as of the end of last year, the nation had built around 387,000 nursing homes or facilities offering services to the elderly. These facilities offered about 8.29 million beds to the elderly.
(Source: China Daily)
32.3KPlease understand that womenofchina.cn,a non-profit, information-communication website, cannot reach every writer before using articles and images. For copyright issues, please contact us by emailing: [email protected]. The articles published and opinions expressed on this website represent the opinions of writers and are not necessarily shared by womenofchina.cn.
Derrick White scores 38, Celtics top Heat 1022024-05-01 10:08
EastEnders was nearly a 'geriatric caravan park in the Northeast' as x2024-05-01 09:46
Another suspect charged in 2023 quadruple homicide in northern Mississippi2024-05-01 09:27
Lok Sabha election 2024: Why do India's elections take so long?2024-05-01 09:14
Dortmund's injury concerns ease before facing PSG in Champions League semifinal2024-05-01 09:02
BBC presenter confirms departure from 'life2024-05-01 09:01
China ushers in its first WorldCon to embrace magic future2024-05-01 08:39
Lithuania's Mykolas Alekna breaks discus throw record that stood since 19862024-05-01 08:27
Alicia Keys, Brian d’Arcy James, Daniel Radcliffe and more react to earning Tony Award nominations2024-05-01 07:47
UN says China has role to play in fighting world hunger2024-05-01 07:40
Hoda Kotb pokes fun at Today co2024-05-01 10:17
Chinese experts showcase new seed varieties, technology at Uganda agricultural exhibition2024-05-01 09:38
In pics: 2023 China New Media Conference in Changsha2024-05-01 09:22
Landslides hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island, killing at least 18 people2024-05-01 09:08
Kenyans in flood2024-05-01 08:59
World AI conference concludes in Shanghai with fruitful results2024-05-01 08:44
Gallen blanks Cardinals for 6 innings and Diamondbacks score 5 runs in 5th to win 52024-05-01 08:42
New toad species found in south China2024-05-01 08:38
Confidence of US consumers continues to decline as Americans worry about the future2024-05-01 08:35
Stock market today: Asian stocks track Wall Street's decline as Middle East tensions escalate2024-05-01 07:49