China Expands Elderly Care Initiatives to Address Aging Population

Beijing – China is accelerating its elderly care initiatives as the country grapples with challenges posed by an aging population, which now accounts for over one-fifth of its citizens.

During the National Civil Affairs Conference on Monday (Dec. 30), officials outlined progress in elderly care services, including home-based care, nursing homes, and elderly rights protection in 2024, as well as new measures for 2025. Home-based care, aligned with traditional family values, remains a priority to meet the preferences of most seniors who wish to "age in place."

Key Initiatives

1.Budget Allocation for 2024:

   - The central government allocated 300 million yuan (approx. 1.38 billion THB) to support elderly meal assistance programs nationwide.

   - Plans to establish 358,000 in-home care beds for seniors.

2.Institutional Care Progress:

   - As of October 2024, China has 404,000 elderly care institutions and facilities, reflecting significant advancements in institutional care.

3.Policy Goals for 2025:

   - Promoting community involvement in elderly care.

   - Enhancing protection of seniors' legal rights.

Demographic Context

Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2023, 297 million Chinese citizens were aged 60 and above, representing 21.1% of the total population.

This growing demographic underscores the importance of comprehensive policies to ensure the well-being and dignity of the elderly in China.

Xinhua Thai News