On October 21, the Ministry of Civil Affairs held a press conference titled “Civil Affairs in the Last Five Years.” Liao Ming, the Deputy Director of the Aging Work Division at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, discussed the ongoing issue of population aging in China, stating that it will remain a significant challenge as the country moves towards modernization. Over the past five years, considerable progress has been made in addressing these challenges.
Firstly, there has been continuous improvement in the legal framework surrounding aging. The Elderly Rights Protection Law has been amended, and the Accessibility Environment Construction Law has been enacted. The Civil Code, along with laws in public culture, basic medical services, and public health, now includes provisions related to elderly individuals. Additionally, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council have issued opinions to strengthen elderly work in the new era, along with significant decisions on social security, elderly care services, health support, and issues like enhancing the elderly’s ability to use smart technologies and developing the silver economy.
Secondly, various support systems for the elderly have been progressively refined, with an upward trend in protection levels. The basic pension insurance system now covers more than 1.06 billion people. The minimum standard for basic pensions for retired employees and urban/rural residents has been raised numerous times, and the multi-level, multi-pillar pension insurance system continues to improve. Moreover, the capacity for elderly care services has strengthened, the supply and quality of these services have increased, and pilots for long-term care insurance are advancing smoothly. The provision of health support and services for the elderly is being reinforced, with widespread campaigns for elderly health education and a deepening integration of medical and health care. The high-age subsidy system and services for economically disadvantaged elderly individuals, along with nursing subsidies for the disabled elderly, are now fully covered.
Thirdly, elderly individuals are becoming more actively involved in society. There has been a significant push for elderly education, leading to the official establishment of the National University for the Elderly and the creation of over 55,000 learning sites for senior education at the grassroots level. Public cultural facilities and tourist attractions offer free or discounted access for the elderly, with efforts to improve accessibility in cultural venues and scenic spots. Public sports facilities are also opening their doors to the elderly for free or at reduced rates, with many sports parks now featuring fitness areas specifically for older adults. Volunteer services for seniors, such as the “Silver Age Action,” have expanded significantly.
Lastly, the creation of an age-friendly society has shown remarkable results. Legal services for the elderly are continually being optimized, and policies to provide preferential treatment to seniors are constantly improving. Ongoing efforts are being made to combat activities that infringe upon the legal rights of the elderly. The construction of age-appropriate and accessible environments in transportation, government services, and public spaces is advancing, along with steady implementation of home modifications for elderly individuals facing special difficulties. The challenges seniors face with smart technology are also being effectively alleviated. The silver economy is accelerating, with an increasing range of products aimed at the elderly, and campaigns promoting awareness about population aging are ongoing. Events like “Respect the Elderly Month” reflect a growing social atmosphere of filial piety and respect for seniors.
