IN BRIEF (Page 4)

Beijing

Officials urged to visit elderly

Grassroots governments in Beijing are now required to conduct weekly home visits to elderly residents. The capital's Civil Affairs Bureau said those age 80 or over who live alone should be prioritized, as well as those caring for disabled dependents. Home visits should be provided for at least 50,000 senior citizens this year, the bureau said. Beijing has 3.5 million residents age 60 or over, and 9.8 percent are living alone.