China, which is entering an advanced stage of aging, is now showing the fastest aging rate, has the largest elderly population, and has the characteristics of getting old before getting rich. How can we help China's gradually expanding elderly population become healthier? How can we help the current hospital medical services be extended inside and outside the hospital? How can we open up innovation and introduce industry-enterprise cooperation? And how can we improve the health of the elderly population in the future?
Fundamental National Reality of Aging Currently, China is facing an accelerated aging trend. According to the seventh population census, the proportion of the elderly over 65 years old in our country has increased significantly from 8.87% in 2010 to 13.5% in 2020. In the next ten years, according to the "National Population Development Plan (2016-2030)", the proportion of China's elderly population over the age of 60 will reach about 25% by 2030, and the degree of aging will continue to deepen. In this context, Ning Jizhe, deputy head of the State Council Leading Group for the Seventh National Census, said, "Aging has become our country's fundamental national reality for a period of time to come.”
Health Challenges of Aging The advanced stage of aging makes the unhealthy relationship between a healthy lifespan and life expectancy even more acute. The elderly are more vulnerable to chronic diseases, malnutrition, poor health, heavy healthcare burdens, psychological loneliness, cognitive impairment, etc. In addition, owing to the lack of high-quality medical resources and financial security for the elderly, it is difficult to seek medical treatment once an acute illness occurs.
Focus on Policy and Future Direction The trend of aging has brought huge challenges to public health and the medical health system. In the next ten years, how to meet the growing pension needs with the rational allocation of health resources and sustainable development of financial expenditure and how to build a comprehensive system that can meet the needs of the elderly are the main problems facing the Chinese government. In this forum, three experts will dissect the gap between China's existing resources and future needs from the perspectives of finance, infrastructure construction, social value, etc., providing guidance for the future development of China's construction of a public health system that meets the needs of the elderly population.