Aging of the Population
Population officials and demographers have muchto worry about China’s increasingly aging population. It is estimated that the proportion ofpeople aged 60 or older in China will rise to 11.8 percent in 2020. By the middle of this century,people aged beyond 60 will take up 27.4 percent of the total population — that means one outof every four people will be senior!
The aging population poses a serious challenge to families and the society. On the onehand, with families becoming smaller and living pace escalating, it is even graver for families tocare for aged members adequately. On the other hand, aging causes a relative decline inworking force. Consequently, the productivity of the whole society will be affected to someextent.
The rapidity of the population’s aging has made it more urgent for the adoption ofcountermeasures. There is no doubt that the key is to build a solid economic while, importance should be attached to overall social progress by changing the backwardsituation in social security, welfare and service. What’s more, family care and community-based services should also be encouraged.
