China to step up efforts in better lives for the elderly

The State Council issued a guideline to promote the development of national undertakings for the aged and improve the elderly care service system during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to a circular released on Feb 21.

The guideline set development goals during the period, including basically establishing an institutional framework of the national strategy to cope with the aging population, promoting integrated and high-quality development of undertakings for the aged and industries, and further improving the elderly care service system and health support system.

A pattern for the whole society to deal with the aging population will take shape during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the circular said, adding that elderly people will further achieve a sense of gain, happiness and security.

Elderly services supplies featuring full coverage in urban and rural areas, inclusive benefits, and high efficiency will be expanded, and elderly care service resources will be increased and allocated more reasonably, the circular said.

Tailored services for the elderly including educational training, cultural tourism, fitness and leisure, financial support and other services will continue to be enriched, and elderly products involving food, clothing, housing, transportation and rehabilitation care will continue to grow.

Meanwhile, business environment for the elderly market will be improved, and support policies in land, housing, finance, investment, and talents will be strengthened to build a social environment more suitable for elderly people.

The social security system should be further improved, the circular said, adding more efforts to optimize basic endowment insurance and basic medical insurance systems, leverage the role of public elderly care institutions in helping the elderly in need, and shore up weak links in elderly care service in rural areas.

Measures also should be rolled out to develop the silver-haired economy, the circular said, adding that consumer products for the elderly should be upgraded to ensure their access to information technology and smart products.

The circular also highlighted education for the elderly, while calling for improving employment service for the elderly. Local governments are encouraged to set up a database of senior talents, and provide services in job introduction, vocational skills training and innovation and entrepreneurship guidance for the elderly who are willing to work.