Beijing, Jan 22 (EFE).- China said Monday it must tend to its population over 60 and added that it would address their concerns amid the rapid aging population.
According to the Civil Affairs Ministry, there are about 280 million people over 60 in China, about 19.8 percent of the total population.
Zhang Shixin, the National Development and Reform Commission deputy secretary, said at a press conference that the government would try to develop an industry “to realize the people’s desire for a better life.”
“There are almost 300 million elderly people in our country. As China’s level of economic and social development continues to increase, the desire and demand of elderly people to improve their quality of life will also rise,” he said, according to local press reports.
Zhang spoke about some of the measures Beijing would take to “resolve the urgent problems of the elderly,” such as “expanding the offer of products for them, betting on potential sectors and strengthening financial support for these industries.”
Last week, the government spoke of the need to focus on innovation in products designed for the elderly, the development of new forms of intelligent care, the rehabilitation and assistance device industry, and the anti-aging industry.
For example, it is encouraged to develop healthy foods and special medical solutions that adapt to the way of eating and chewing of the elderly and to manufacture vehicles “that meet technical standards and facilitate the barrier-free transportation of the elderly.”
The State Council said it encouraged smart devices for home care and promoted the use of robots to care for the elderly, perform housework, and prevent the elderly from getting lost.
Authorities also urge to strengthen research and application of genetic technology, regenerative medicine and lasers in the field of aging treatments.
The document also said the supply of financial products for old age must be increased and pension and commercial insurance products for retirees must be diversified.
It is estimated that there will be more than 400 million people over 60 in the country by 2035, representing more than 30 percent of the Chinese population.
Authorities have said that the aging of the population presents numerous challenges for the provision of public services and the sustainability of social security. China experienced an official decrease of 850,000 inhabitants in 2022. EFE
