Government Policies and Programs for Rapid Ageing in China: Review of Recent Developments in System Integration and Digital Services
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: China is facing the challenge of an increasingly ageing population. The proportion of people aged 60 and above increased from 10% to 21.1% between 1999 and 2023 and is projected to reach 28% by 2040. In response to this demographic shift, the Chinese central government has implemented a series of policies that have evolved over time. The rapid advancement of information technology and science has accelerated these changes. However, there is still a research gap in understanding the digital service policies for elderly care.
Methodology: Based on research literature and policy texts, this study specifically focuses on policy development between January 2019 and January 2024. Seventy traceable national policy texts were categorized and analyzed, gathered from the State Council's policy document database and the official websites of national ministries.
Result: The 70 policies were interpreted and categorized into three major aspects. Firstly, the policies on the improvement of traditional elderly care aimed to meet diverse needs by focusing on health and medical care, the management and standards of serving institutions, service improvements and standardization, and the development of the service workforce. Secondly, the policies on system integration between elderly care and other industries included the integration of finance and elderly care, the construction of the insurance system, long-term care institutions and insurance, hospice care, and the silver economy. Thirdly, the policies on digital services comprised the smart healthcare industry, information accessibility, elderly-friendly digital technology and empowerment, and the creation of elderly-friendly communities and societies.
Conclusion: The development concepts and contents of China's elderly care policy have evolved. The acceleration of transformation and promotion of the silver economy has become a new comprehensive and universal measure. Despite recent policy developments indicating a growing trend towards integration, there remains considerable room for improvement in actual implementation. This should focus on the uneven development of the "three pillars" of the pension system, insufficient innovation in financial products, and inadequate industry financing channels. It is important to be alert to the persistent problems and obstacles, which widen the gap in elderly welfare, create new forms of social inequality and exclusion, and hinder the development of a friendly information society.
Keywords:
elderly care, policies and programs, system integration, digital services, China
Article Details
How to Cite
ZHANG, Yurong; LIU, Yanli; ZHANG, Xiulan.
Government Policies and Programs for Rapid Ageing in China: Review of Recent Developments in System Integration and Digital Services.
Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 6, june 2024.
ISSN 2375-1924.
Available at: <https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5404>. Date accessed: 02 july 2024.
doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i6.5404.
Section
Review Articles
The Medical Research Archives grants authors the right to publish and reproduce the unrevised contribution in whole or in part at any time and in any form for any scholarly non-commercial purpose with the condition that all publications of the contribution include a full citation to the journal as published by the Medical Research Archives.
References
1. Ministry of Civil Affairs, Office of the National Working Commission on Ageing. Communique of the Development of National Undertakings for the Aged 2022. Published December 2023. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202312/P020231214405906944856.pdf.
2. Wang P. The total population decreased and high-quality development of the population increased. China Economy. Published January 18, 2024. http://www.ce.cn/xwzx/gnsz/gdxw/202401/18/t20240118_38870849.shtml.
3. WHO. Ageing and Health in China. (n.d.) https://www.who.int/china/zh/health-topics/ageing.
4. Zhao X, Wang X, & Li Q. Evolution and performance of the elderly policy in China. Qinghai Social Sciences, 2017;(06):162-167. doi: 10.14154/j.cnki.qss.2017.06.024.
5. Su M, Gen Q, Liu Z, Jin J. Research on the evolution of China’s elderly care policy based on attribute analysis and text clustering. Population & Development. 2023;29(5):133-144.
6. Huang K, Yang X. Analysis of the development history of national elderly care policies from 2000 to 2020 and the reference of foreign elderly care systems. In: He M, ed. Annual Report on Kangyang Industry of China (2020). China Social Sciences Academic Press; 2021:188-208.
7. Krings MF, van Wijngaarden JDH, Yuan S, Huijsman R. China’s Elder Care Policies 1994–2020: A Narrative Document Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19:6141.doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph19106141.
8. Wang B, Li K. Quantitative analysis of national pension policy: subject, trend and development. Chinese Public Administration. 2018;6:105-110.
9. World Health Assembly, 69. Multisectoral action for a life course approach to healthy ageing: draft global strategy and plan of action on ageing and health: report by the Secretariat. World Health Organization. Published April 22, 2016. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/252671.
10. Ye P, Jin Y, Er Y, Duan L, et al. A Scoping Review of National Policies for Healthy Ageing in Mainland China from 2016 to 2020. Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific. 2021; 12:100168. doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100168. PMID: 34527965.
11. Xu W, Zhu J, Xi W, Cui J. Creating Age-Friendly Environments in a Smart Society in China: A Policy Review. Journal of Ageing & Social Policy.2023;1–20.doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2023.2284058.
12. Division of Ageing Health of the National Health Commission. Guiding Opinions on Establishing and Improving the Elderly Healthcare Service System. Published November 1, 2019. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/cms-search/xxgk/getManuscriptXxgk.htm?id=cf0ad12cb0ec4c96b87704fbbeb5bbde.
13. General Office of the National Health Commission. Circular on Implementing Pilot Work of Elderly Medical and Nursing Services. Published November 15, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-11/27/content_5653768.htm.
14. National Health Commission. National Nursing Development Plan (2021–2025). Published April 29, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-05/09/content_5689354.htm.
15. National Health Commission, the Office of the National Working Commission on Ageing, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Circular on Comprehensively Strengthening Elderly Health Services. Published December 31, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-01/18/content_5669095.htm.
16. Ministry of Civil Affairs. Measures for the Administration of Elderly Care Institutions. Published September 1, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2020/content_5565826.htm.
17. General Office of the State Council. guidelines for establishing and improving a comprehensive supervision system for elder care services. Publish November 26, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/21/content_5571902.htm.
18. Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Fire and Rescue Bureau. Regulations on Fire Safety Management in Elderly Care Institutions. Published June 30, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10666/202308/content_6900861.html.
19. General Office of Ministry of Civil Affairs. Standard for Defining Hidden Risks of Serious Accidents in Elderly Care Institutions. Published November 27, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6917981.htm.
20. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Office of the Ministry of Finance. Notice on organizing and implementing the 2021 Action Project for the Improvement of Basic Home and Community Care Services for the Elderly. Published October 12, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-10/19/content_5643586.htm.
21. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Office of the Ministry of Finance. Notice on the organization and implementation of the 2022 Home and Community Basic Elderly Care Service Improvement Action Project. Published September 14, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-09/25/content_5711797.htm.
22. General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Construction of the Basic Pension Service System. Published May 21, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10506/202306/content_6885267.html.
23. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Development of Pension Services. Published April 17, 2019. http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/SYrlzyhshbzb/dongtaixinwen/shizhengyaowen/201904/t20190417_315271.html.
24. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs. National Occupational Skills Standards for Elderly Care Workers (2019 Edition). Published October 30, 2019. http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/1_2_x/jd/201910/t20191030_338180.html.
25. Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, State Council. Opinions on Strengthening the Work on Ageing in the New Era. Published November 18, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2021/content_5659511.htm.
26. State Council. the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of National Ageing Undertakings and Pension Service System. Published December 30, 2021.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-02/21/content_5674844.htm.
27. Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Opinions on strengthening the construction of senior service talents. Published December 31, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202401/content_6929136.htm.
28. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Circular on a Pilot Program for Pension and Wealth Management Products. Published August 31, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-09/10/content_5636664.htm.
29. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Circular on Increasing Pilot Programs for Pension and Wealth Management Products. Published February 21,2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-02/27/content_5675878.htm.
30. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, General Office of the People's Bank of China. Notice on Carrying Out the Pilot Work of Specific Pension Savings. Published July 15, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-07/29/content_5703512.htm.
31. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Development of Private Pensions. Published April 21, 2022.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-04/21/content_5686402.htm.
32. China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Notice on Regulating and Promoting the Development of Commercial Pension Finance Business. Published April 28, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-05/11/content_5689610.htm.
33. National Health Insurance Administration. The director of the Department of Pharmaceutical Administration answered reporters' questions on the promulgation of national occupational standards for long-term carers. Published February 29, 2024.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202402/content_6934996.htm.
34. The Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress. The Outline of China’s the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. Published March 12, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-03/13/content_5592681.htm.
35. General Office of the National Health Commission. Notice of the Second Batch of Hospice Pilot Work. Published December 5, 2019. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/cms-search/xxgk/getManuscriptXxgk.htm?id=efe3ed3d9dce4f519bc7bba7997b59d8.
36. National Health Commission, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Guiding Opinions on Establishing and Improving the Health Service System for the Elderly. Published October 28, 2019. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2020/content_5483907.htm.
37. General Office of the State Council. Circular of the 14th Five-Year Plan on National Healthcare Security. Published May 20, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2022-05/20/content_5691424.htm.
38. National Health Commission. Statistical Communique on the Development of China’s Health Undertakings. Published October 2023. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202310/P020231012649046990925.pdf.
39. General Office of the National Health Commission. Notice of the Third Batch of Hospice Pilot Work. Published April 11, 2023. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/lljks/tggg/202307/df326ed6049249c7bf823df1395c9b4f.shtml.
40. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy and Improving the Well-being of the Elderly. Published January 15, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202401/content_6926088.htm.
41. Jin Y, Hu W, Fen Y. Internet use and the life of older adults aged 50 and above in digital era: findings from a national survey. Population Research. 2024;48(1):40-55.
42. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Health Commission. Promotion Catalogue of Smart Health Care Products and Services for the Elderly (2020 Edition). Published October 16, 2020. https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/dzxx/art/2020/art_4092629bb22840ecb56ffe51bf0d9120.html.
43. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Health Commission. Notice on organizing and implementing the application for the 2022 Smart Health Care Products and Services Promotion Catalog. Published November 16, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-11/23/content_5728383.htm.
44. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China Disabled Persons' Federation. Guidance on Promoting Information Accessibility. Published September 11, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-09/23/content_5546271.htm.
45. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Special Action Plan for Internet Application for the Elderly and Barrier-free Transformation. Published December24, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/26/content_5573472.htm.
46. Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. Barrier-free Environment Construction Act. Published June 28, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202306/content_6888910.htm.
47. Xinhua News. More than 140 million smartphones and smart TVs in China have completed the transformation and upgrading for the elderly. Published October 20, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202310/content_6910609.htm.
48. General Office of the State Council. Notice on the implementation plan for effectively solving the difficulties of the elderly in using smart technology. Published November 24, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2020-11/24/content_5563804.htm.
49. General Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Office of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. Notice on the implementation Plan for Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in the Use of Intelligent Technology. Published December 22, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/24/content_5572960.htm
50. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Notice on the Implementation Plan for Further Optimizing Public Services for Human Resources and Social Security and Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology. Published December 25, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-01/01/content_5576047.htm.
51. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Implementation Plan for Effectively Solving the Difficulties of The Elderly in Using Smart Technology. Published December 29, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/30/content_5575177.htm.
52. Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, National Health Commission, etc. Notice on Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Smart Technology to Facilitate the Elderly's Daily Transportation. Published December 28, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/28/content_5574286.htm.
53. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Notice on Banking and Insurance Institutions Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology. Published March 26, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-03/31/content_5596890.htm.
54. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Notice on Effectively Resolving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology and Facilitating the Elderly's Use of Intelligent Products and Services. Published February 10, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-02/10/content_5586574.htm.
55. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Work Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Digital Technology for the Elderly. Published December 19, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6922847.htm
56. Xinhua News. 2,577 websites and apps have completed age-friendly and barrier-free renovations. Published January 19, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202401/content_6927154.htm.
57. Ministry of Commerce, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Digital Empowerment of Life Services. Published December 15, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6921525.htm.
58. National Health Commission, the Office of the National Working Commission on Ageing. Notice on Implementing the Creation of Demonstration National Elderly Friendly Communities. Published December 9, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/14/content_5569385.htm.
59. Guo Lin. Elderly Services in China (1949-2019): Evolution. Policy evaluation and prospect. Chinese Social Security Review. 2019;3(3): 48-64.
60. Jin N, Yuan X. High quality development of silver economy: population foundation, strategic direction and path selection. Hebei Academic Journal. 2024;44(2):158-166.
61. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on the development of the silver economy and the improvement of the well-being of the elderly. Published January 15, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202401/content_6926087.htm.
62. Sun L. Do a good job in pension finance. People’s Tribune. 2023;22:27-31.
63. Wang J, An C, Arthur K. Social Technology Approach in Elderly Care Services. Chinese Social Security Review. 2022;6(4):135-146.
2. Wang P. The total population decreased and high-quality development of the population increased. China Economy. Published January 18, 2024. http://www.ce.cn/xwzx/gnsz/gdxw/202401/18/t20240118_38870849.shtml.
3. WHO. Ageing and Health in China. (n.d.) https://www.who.int/china/zh/health-topics/ageing.
4. Zhao X, Wang X, & Li Q. Evolution and performance of the elderly policy in China. Qinghai Social Sciences, 2017;(06):162-167. doi: 10.14154/j.cnki.qss.2017.06.024.
5. Su M, Gen Q, Liu Z, Jin J. Research on the evolution of China’s elderly care policy based on attribute analysis and text clustering. Population & Development. 2023;29(5):133-144.
6. Huang K, Yang X. Analysis of the development history of national elderly care policies from 2000 to 2020 and the reference of foreign elderly care systems. In: He M, ed. Annual Report on Kangyang Industry of China (2020). China Social Sciences Academic Press; 2021:188-208.
7. Krings MF, van Wijngaarden JDH, Yuan S, Huijsman R. China’s Elder Care Policies 1994–2020: A Narrative Document Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19:6141.doi.org/10.3390/ ijerph19106141.
8. Wang B, Li K. Quantitative analysis of national pension policy: subject, trend and development. Chinese Public Administration. 2018;6:105-110.
9. World Health Assembly, 69. Multisectoral action for a life course approach to healthy ageing: draft global strategy and plan of action on ageing and health: report by the Secretariat. World Health Organization. Published April 22, 2016. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/252671.
10. Ye P, Jin Y, Er Y, Duan L, et al. A Scoping Review of National Policies for Healthy Ageing in Mainland China from 2016 to 2020. Lancet Regional Health Western Pacific. 2021; 12:100168. doi: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2021.100168. PMID: 34527965.
11. Xu W, Zhu J, Xi W, Cui J. Creating Age-Friendly Environments in a Smart Society in China: A Policy Review. Journal of Ageing & Social Policy.2023;1–20.doi.org/10.1080/08959420.2023.2284058.
12. Division of Ageing Health of the National Health Commission. Guiding Opinions on Establishing and Improving the Elderly Healthcare Service System. Published November 1, 2019. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/cms-search/xxgk/getManuscriptXxgk.htm?id=cf0ad12cb0ec4c96b87704fbbeb5bbde.
13. General Office of the National Health Commission. Circular on Implementing Pilot Work of Elderly Medical and Nursing Services. Published November 15, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-11/27/content_5653768.htm.
14. National Health Commission. National Nursing Development Plan (2021–2025). Published April 29, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-05/09/content_5689354.htm.
15. National Health Commission, the Office of the National Working Commission on Ageing, National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Circular on Comprehensively Strengthening Elderly Health Services. Published December 31, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-01/18/content_5669095.htm.
16. Ministry of Civil Affairs. Measures for the Administration of Elderly Care Institutions. Published September 1, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2020/content_5565826.htm.
17. General Office of the State Council. guidelines for establishing and improving a comprehensive supervision system for elder care services. Publish November 26, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/21/content_5571902.htm.
18. Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Fire and Rescue Bureau. Regulations on Fire Safety Management in Elderly Care Institutions. Published June 30, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10666/202308/content_6900861.html.
19. General Office of Ministry of Civil Affairs. Standard for Defining Hidden Risks of Serious Accidents in Elderly Care Institutions. Published November 27, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6917981.htm.
20. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Office of the Ministry of Finance. Notice on organizing and implementing the 2021 Action Project for the Improvement of Basic Home and Community Care Services for the Elderly. Published October 12, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-10/19/content_5643586.htm.
21. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, General Office of the Ministry of Finance. Notice on the organization and implementation of the 2022 Home and Community Basic Elderly Care Service Improvement Action Project. Published September 14, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-09/25/content_5711797.htm.
22. General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Construction of the Basic Pension Service System. Published May 21, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/2023/issue_10506/202306/content_6885267.html.
23. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Development of Pension Services. Published April 17, 2019. http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/SYrlzyhshbzb/dongtaixinwen/shizhengyaowen/201904/t20190417_315271.html.
24. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Ministry of Civil Affairs. National Occupational Skills Standards for Elderly Care Workers (2019 Edition). Published October 30, 2019. http://www.mohrss.gov.cn/xxgk2020/1_2_x/jd/201910/t20191030_338180.html.
25. Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, State Council. Opinions on Strengthening the Work on Ageing in the New Era. Published November 18, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2021/content_5659511.htm.
26. State Council. the 14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of National Ageing Undertakings and Pension Service System. Published December 30, 2021.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-02/21/content_5674844.htm.
27. Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Opinions on strengthening the construction of senior service talents. Published December 31, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202401/content_6929136.htm.
28. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Circular on a Pilot Program for Pension and Wealth Management Products. Published August 31, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-09/10/content_5636664.htm.
29. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Circular on Increasing Pilot Programs for Pension and Wealth Management Products. Published February 21,2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-02/27/content_5675878.htm.
30. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, General Office of the People's Bank of China. Notice on Carrying Out the Pilot Work of Specific Pension Savings. Published July 15, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-07/29/content_5703512.htm.
31. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Promoting the Development of Private Pensions. Published April 21, 2022.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-04/21/content_5686402.htm.
32. China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Notice on Regulating and Promoting the Development of Commercial Pension Finance Business. Published April 28, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-05/11/content_5689610.htm.
33. National Health Insurance Administration. The director of the Department of Pharmaceutical Administration answered reporters' questions on the promulgation of national occupational standards for long-term carers. Published February 29, 2024.https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/202402/content_6934996.htm.
34. The Fourth Session of the Thirteenth National People's Congress. The Outline of China’s the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for National Economic and Social Development and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035. Published March 12, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/xinwen/2021-03/13/content_5592681.htm.
35. General Office of the National Health Commission. Notice of the Second Batch of Hospice Pilot Work. Published December 5, 2019. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/cms-search/xxgk/getManuscriptXxgk.htm?id=efe3ed3d9dce4f519bc7bba7997b59d8.
36. National Health Commission, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Guiding Opinions on Establishing and Improving the Health Service System for the Elderly. Published October 28, 2019. https://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2020/content_5483907.htm.
37. General Office of the State Council. Circular of the 14th Five-Year Plan on National Healthcare Security. Published May 20, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2022-05/20/content_5691424.htm.
38. National Health Commission. Statistical Communique on the Development of China’s Health Undertakings. Published October 2023. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202310/P020231012649046990925.pdf.
39. General Office of the National Health Commission. Notice of the Third Batch of Hospice Pilot Work. Published April 11, 2023. http://www.nhc.gov.cn/lljks/tggg/202307/df326ed6049249c7bf823df1395c9b4f.shtml.
40. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy and Improving the Well-being of the Elderly. Published January 15, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202401/content_6926088.htm.
41. Jin Y, Hu W, Fen Y. Internet use and the life of older adults aged 50 and above in digital era: findings from a national survey. Population Research. 2024;48(1):40-55.
42. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Health Commission. Promotion Catalogue of Smart Health Care Products and Services for the Elderly (2020 Edition). Published October 16, 2020. https://wap.miit.gov.cn/zwgk/zcwj/wjfb/dzxx/art/2020/art_4092629bb22840ecb56ffe51bf0d9120.html.
43. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Ministry of Civil Affairs, National Health Commission. Notice on organizing and implementing the application for the 2022 Smart Health Care Products and Services Promotion Catalog. Published November 16, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2022-11/23/content_5728383.htm.
44. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, China Disabled Persons' Federation. Guidance on Promoting Information Accessibility. Published September 11, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-09/23/content_5546271.htm.
45. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Special Action Plan for Internet Application for the Elderly and Barrier-free Transformation. Published December24, 2022. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/26/content_5573472.htm.
46. Standing Committee of the 14th National People's Congress. Barrier-free Environment Construction Act. Published June 28, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/yaowen/liebiao/202306/content_6888910.htm.
47. Xinhua News. More than 140 million smartphones and smart TVs in China have completed the transformation and upgrading for the elderly. Published October 20, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202310/content_6910609.htm.
48. General Office of the State Council. Notice on the implementation plan for effectively solving the difficulties of the elderly in using smart technology. Published November 24, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/2020-11/24/content_5563804.htm.
49. General Office of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, General Office of the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. Notice on the implementation Plan for Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in the Use of Intelligent Technology. Published December 22, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/24/content_5572960.htm
50. Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. Notice on the Implementation Plan for Further Optimizing Public Services for Human Resources and Social Security and Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology. Published December 25, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-01/01/content_5576047.htm.
51. General Office of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Implementation Plan for Effectively Solving the Difficulties of The Elderly in Using Smart Technology. Published December 29, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/30/content_5575177.htm.
52. Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, National Health Commission, etc. Notice on Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Smart Technology to Facilitate the Elderly's Daily Transportation. Published December 28, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/28/content_5574286.htm.
53. General Office of China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Notice on Banking and Insurance Institutions Effectively Solving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology. Published March 26, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-03/31/content_5596890.htm.
54. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Notice on Effectively Resolving the Difficulties of the Elderly in Using Intelligent Technology and Facilitating the Elderly's Use of Intelligent Products and Services. Published February 10, 2021. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2021-02/10/content_5586574.htm.
55. Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Work Plan for Promoting the High-Quality Development of Digital Technology for the Elderly. Published December 19, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6922847.htm
56. Xinhua News. 2,577 websites and apps have completed age-friendly and barrier-free renovations. Published January 19, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/lianbo/bumen/202401/content_6927154.htm.
57. Ministry of Commerce, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Education, etc. Guiding Opinions on Accelerating the Digital Empowerment of Life Services. Published December 15, 2023. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/202312/content_6921525.htm.
58. National Health Commission, the Office of the National Working Commission on Ageing. Notice on Implementing the Creation of Demonstration National Elderly Friendly Communities. Published December 9, 2020. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/zhengceku/2020-12/14/content_5569385.htm.
59. Guo Lin. Elderly Services in China (1949-2019): Evolution. Policy evaluation and prospect. Chinese Social Security Review. 2019;3(3): 48-64.
60. Jin N, Yuan X. High quality development of silver economy: population foundation, strategic direction and path selection. Hebei Academic Journal. 2024;44(2):158-166.
61. General Office of the State Council. Opinions on the development of the silver economy and the improvement of the well-being of the elderly. Published January 15, 2024. https://www.gov.cn/zhengce/content/202401/content_6926087.htm.
62. Sun L. Do a good job in pension finance. People’s Tribune. 2023;22:27-31.
63. Wang J, An C, Arthur K. Social Technology Approach in Elderly Care Services. Chinese Social Security Review. 2022;6(4):135-146.