China Expands Elderly Care Services to Meet Aging Society Demands

Government Measures to Expand Elderly Care

The central government has underscored the need to expand the supply of elderly care services and spur consumption in the sector as China rapidly transitions to an aging society. At an executive meeting on Wednesday, the State Council, China's Cabinet, decided on measures to boost the development of various community- and home-based elderly care services to make it easier for senior citizens to access meal, transport, home cleaning and medical services.

Businesses will be encouraged to develop high-quality products that fit the needs of the elderly, and the government will step up the development and renovation of facilities devoted to aged care services, a statement released after the meeting said.

• Measures include boosting community- and home-based services for meals, transport, home cleaning, and medical care.
• Businesses are encouraged to develop products tailored to elderly needs.
• Government will enhance development and renovation of aged care facilities.

Premier's Remarks on Home-Based Care

"Home-based aged care not only follows the tradition of the Chinese people, but also suits the current development standard of our country," Premier Li Keqiang said at the meeting. He underlined the importance of providing more aged care services and expanding access to them, even though the family remains the primary source of care for the elderly in China.

Enabling private sector participation in aged care services and adopting multiple steps to boost the growth of related sectors, such as tourism and health-related services, were crucial steps, the premier said, adding that the measures will follow the demands of the public, spur the vitality of cities, and expand effective investment and broaden consumption.

• Premier Li Keqiang highlighted the importance of home-based care aligned with tradition and current standards.
• Private sector participation and growth of related sectors like tourism and health services are key.
• Measures aim to follow public demand, spur urban vitality, and broaden consumption.

Aging Population Context

Last year, the number of people in China age 65 or above reached 166 million - 11.9 percent of the country's population, highlighting the urgent need for expanded elderly care services.

Public sources

• https://en.nhc.gov.cn/2019-08/28/c_75637.htm