From Chinese Press

An old-age problem

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-16 07:55

The Ministry of Civil Affairs is expected to solicit public opinion on a social pension service system, which it plans to set up during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015). Since China faces an aging population, taking care of ordinary senior citizens will become a big problem if a relevant policy is not introduced by 2015, says an article in southcn.com. Excerpts:

Ever since China introduced the family planning policy in 1982, experts have been warning authorities that it could create a problem.

If proper social services to senior citizens cannot be guaranteed now, taking care of an aging population could become an insurmountable problem when the number of senior citizens reaches its peaks. Today, the greatest worry for most people is that they do not have enough pensions to get the needed social services from the market.

It will be impossible for single children to take care of their octogenarian and nonagenarian parents or grandparents because of the pressure of their jobs or economic factors. Since times are changing, family support does not only mean traditional care from children, but also help from social service organizations for which people may have to pay regular charges.

Social services are of two kinds: family care for the aged that needs community service system support and institutional care.

When family care for the elderly is not enough, institutions have to be called upon to provide professional services. But more than 70 percent of Chinese senior citizens do not have enough money to pay for the professional services, and that could become a big problem for China.

The public, including senior citizens as well as the middle-aged, should discuss the issue seriously and let their opinions known to the government so that it can work out a proper policy for senior citizens.

(China Daily 02/16/2011 page9)