The Aging Tsunami and Senior Healthcare Development in China

Abstract

China faces an aging tsunami. By the end of 2016, the number of older adults aged 60 and older reached 230 million. This number is projected to reach 418 million by 2035 and peak at 487 million by 2053. The number of individuals aged 80 and older, the oldest adults, reached 26 million and continues to grow by 1 million a year. The socioeconomic context, characterized by an inverted pyramid family structure and the number of "empty nesters," has greatly compromised traditional Chinese family support for older adults. This article aims to provide an overview of geriatrics development in China. It begins with a brief account of the dramatic demographic shift, major socioeconomic factors, China's healthcare system, and reform related to senior health with a historical perspective. It then describes recent advances in government policy and support and development of a geriatrics physician workforce, care models, primary care networks, and privately owned senior care facilities and support services. Although it is impossible to cover all aspects of the topic, it is hoped that this article provides readers an overall picture of Chinese geriatrics and senior healthcare development in a complex and evolving healthcare system. Geriatrics communities in the United States and around the world will undoubtedly learn and benefit from the unparalleled and continued efforts to address this unprecedented opportunity and challenge in China.

Reply to: Update on Aging Statistics and Geriatrics Development in China

“…To the Editor : We thank Chen and colleagues for their interest in our article on the aging tsunami and senior healthcare development in China and appreciate the updates provided . We agree that the addition of 11 million older adults (aged ≥60) during 2017 is at a much higher annual rate of increase than previously reported.…”

“…Regarding geriatrics and senior healthcare development in China, Chen's article and update emphasize international scholarly exchange and collaboration. The seventh Chinese Congress on Gerontology and Health Industry (CCGI) is August 31 to September 2, 2018, in Jinan, Shandong Province, under the leadership of Dr. Xiaoying Li.…”

Introduction of Abstracts to be Presented at the Seventh Chinese Congress on Gerontology, and Health Industry

“…Again, the JAGS has led the effort in introducing geriatrics and its development in China to the colleagues in the US and around the world through publishing Special Articles of its kind 1,2 over the years including the most recent one by Li X, et al which provides a rather comprehensive overview of the current development touched upon above. 3 Recognizing the need for other support services and products for seniors in addition to healthcare, the CCGI conference has also organized a large exhibition of qualified senior services programs, equipment, and other related products by healthcare industry from inside and abroad. Therefore, this year's CCGI conference continues to serve as an important platform and useful networking for not only scientific and scholarly exchange, but also potential development of partnerships and senior healthcare development opportunities.…”

“…The Chinese government encourages foreign private investment as well as introduction of innovative geriatrics care models and senior healthcare management expertise to meet the healthcare needs of Chinese senior citizens, creating a unique opportunity for geriatrics experts overseas to help further geriatrics and senior healthcare development in China. Again, the JAGS has led the effort in introducing geriatrics and its development in China to the colleagues in the US and around the world through publishing Special Articles of its kind over the years including the most recent one by Li X, et al which provides a rather comprehensive overview of the current development touched upon above . Recognizing the need for other support services and products for seniors in addition to healthcare, the CCGI conference has also organized a large exhibition of qualified senior services programs, equipment, and other related products by healthcare industry from inside and abroad.…”

Introduction of Abstracts to be presented at the Eighth Chinese Congress on Gerontology and Health Industry

“…The Chinese government encourages foreign private investment as well as introduction of innovative geriatrics care models and senior healthcare management expertise to meet the healthcare needs of Chinese senior citizens, creating a unique opportunity for geriatrics experts overseas to help further geriatrics and senior healthcare development in China. Again, JAGS has led the effort through publishing Special Articles of its kind over the years, introducing geriatrics and its development in China to the colleagues in the US and around the world. Recognizing the need for other support services and products for seniors in addition to healthcare, the CCGI conference has also organized a large exhibition of qualified senior services programs, equipment, and other related products by healthcare industry, both domestic and international.…”