Aging population a trend that is both challenge, opportunity

THE CENTRAL AUTHORITIES have unveiled the first comprehensive document guiding the governments of various levels to cope with challenges of one of the largest and fastest aging populations in the world. Beijing News comments:

It is predicted that by 2035, the number of people above 60 years old will account for more than one-fourth of the country's population, which is already the case in some big cities, and the proportion will surge to more than one-third by 2050.

International experience shows that it is the social security and public service system that bears the brunt of an aging population, although the demographic change also takes its toll on social vitality, innovation and growth.