Beijing‘s Elderly Population Surpasses 5 Million, Driving Expansion of Care Services
BEIJING, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) - Beijing’s population is aging rapidly, with the number of permanent residents aged 60 and above exceeding 5 million for the first time, according to a recent report released at a Beijing elderly care services industry forum on Tuesday.
The report reveals that 5.14 million residents are now aged 60 or older, representing 23.5% of the city’s total population – an increase of 192,000 people as 2023. The number of residents aged 80 and above is also growing, currently standing at 687,000, or 3.1% of the population.
In response to this demographic shift, Beijing is actively strengthening its elderly care infrastructure.Yang Zhiwei, an official from the Beijing Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau, stated that authorities have implemented 20 new policies focused on the needs of older adults and are expanding regional elderly care service centers to improve home-based care.Currently, Beijing boasts 608 registered elderly care institutions with 109,000 beds. The city has also established a network of support services including 105 regional elderly care service centers, over 300 nursing care facilities, and more than 1,500 community-based elderly service stations.
These centers are evolving to offer more than just basic care. Chen Guangying, 93, a resident of a service center in Yizhuang Town, shared, “Here, we elderly residents receive professional care and have plenty of friends and activities. My life has become much more fulfilling.”
Luo Jing, head of the Yizhuang center, explained that the facility now provides diversified services across five functional zones: residential care, dining, a senior academy, integrated healthcare, and thorough support.
Looking ahead, Beijing plans to add 50 more regional elderly care service centers in 2025, further bolstering its commitment to supporting its growing elderly population.
