China to expand mutual-aid eldercare as population ages

China will step up the development of mutual-aid eldercare services to better meet the diverse needs of its rapidly aging population, according to a recent guideline jointly issued by 11 central government departments, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

The document defines the concept of "mutual-aid eldercare services" at the national level for the first time and sets development targets.

Mutual-aid eldercare refers to voluntary, non-profit services provided through mutual assistance among neighbors or community residents to support elderly people.

According to the guideline, by 2030, at least 70 percent of urban and rural community eldercare facilities will be equipped with mutual-aid service functions. A nationwide mechanism for regular visits and care for elderly people in special difficulties will also be fully established at township and subdistrict levels.

By 2035, mutual-aid eldercare services are expected to become more organized, with a stronger support system in place to better meet elderly people's needs in areas such as social participation, emotional support and daily care.

The guideline calls for expanding community-based and home-supported services. Local governments are encouraged to form mutual-aid service teams to provide key support for elderly people in need, including meal assistance, housekeeping, mobility support and emergency response. It also encourages the development of professional service teams to improve service quality and ensure sustainability.

In rural areas, authorities will promote flexible models tailored to local conditions, including neighbor-based assistance and shared community services. Existing facilities such as township nursing homes, rural care centers and unused school buildings will be upgraded or repurposed into elder-friendly mutual-aid communities.

Zhang Jun, deputy head of the eldercare services department at the Ministry of Civil Affairs, said China's population aged 60 and above had reached 323 million by the end of 2025, making it essential to improve eldercare services.

"Developing mutual-aid eldercare services is an important part of implementing the national strategy to actively respond to population aging and building an eldercare system suited to China's conditions," he said.

He noted that while various models have emerged through years of local exploration and have met some elderly care needs, challenges remain in areas such as resource integration, policy support and standardized development.

The guideline was formulated based on field research and consultations and provides a systematic and overall plan to promote high-quality and sustainable development of mutual-aid eldercare services, Zhang said.

He added that the policy aims to explore practical solutions to address the needs of China's large elderly population and improve the overall well-being of senior citizens.