China issues aging report

cctv.com 02-24-2006 13:21

Even with its explosive economic growth, China's population will become old before it becomes rich. And with the number of elderly bearing a heavier weight on the entire population, more and more people are now calling for care for the elderly. Meanwhile, the government says it is encouraging both domestic and overseas investors to step in and help.

A report, issued Thursday by the National Elderly Office, made an in-depth study of the aging trend of the Chinese society. The report pointed out that China has entered an aged society since 1999. From 2001 to 2020, nearly 6 million more elderly people will be part of the population. China's elderly population will reach 250 million by the year 2020.

Data shows that the potential market for the elderly in China stands at 50 billion US dollars, but supplies account for only 10 percent now. The figure is expected to reach more than 120 billion dollars in 2010 and more than 600 billion by the middle of this century.

The government is calling up industrial forces to help the campaign. Companies are encouraged to launch products or services targeting the elderly market. The care of old people involves various aspects, including daily care, emotional support, and emergency aid.

Editor:Chen Zhuo  Source:CCTV.com