China's elderly population to reach 487 mln around 2050

China will have a population of 487 million aged 60 or above by around 2050, according to the Office of the National Working Commission on Aging.

Elderly Chinese people wait for bus at a station in Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, January 3, 2019. [File Photo: IC]

In recent years, China has stepped up efforts in advancing diversified elderly care services based on community and home, while promoting integration of elderly care and medical services, as well as trials for long-term care insurance.

China now has 163,800 elderly care institutions and facilities which offer 7.46 million beds for senior citizens.

By 2022, China is expected to see all communities equipped with elderly care facilities and the country will train 2 million nursing workers for the elderly, according to a guideline issued by the Ministry of Civil Affairs.