(CLO) Chinese people are living longer, with average life expectancy reaching 79 years in 2024, an increase of 0.4 years compared to 2023.
China now ranks fourth in life expectancy among 53 middle- and high-income countries, and 10th in the G20, said National Health Commission Minister Lei Haichao.
Some areas such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Jiangsu have already surpassed the 80-year mark. He stressed that China still has the potential to further increase life expectancy thanks to improvements in medical conditions and public health.
Illustration: Unsplash
However, Mr Lei warned of a worrying trend: the number of overweight and obese people is increasing rapidly due to improved living standards, high-calorie diets and lack of exercise.
It is predicted that by 2030, up to 65.3% of China's population could be overweight or obese, leading to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
In response, the Chinese government is stepping up measures to control lifestyle-related risks and investing in upgrading the health system. More than 90 percent of village clinics are now covered by the health insurance system, with nearly 900 million yuan invested in upgrading medical equipment in hospitals in central and western China.
China's life expectancy increase is significantly higher than the average of 0.1 to 0.2 years in countries with a life expectancy above 75. But at the same time, China faces serious demographic challenges due to a rapidly aging population and a continuing decline in birth rates.
The country's population fell for the third consecutive year in 2024, by 1.39 million people to 1.4083 billion. The rapidly aging population is putting enormous pressure on the social security system and the labor market, as the young workforce shrinks.
China is building a three-tier service system, from county-level management centers to community service stations in towns and villages. The "15-minute elderly care service circle" model is being developed, ensuring that the elderly can access essential services quickly and conveniently.
In addition, China is also stepping up the application of technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to optimize elderly care services. Home support services such as meal delivery, medical care, house cleaning and emergency response will be expanded.
The goal of these reforms is to ensure that seniors receive adequate care, maintain their ability to participate in society, and enjoy a full life. By continuously promoting innovations, China hopes to build a comprehensive and sustainable social security system amid a rapidly aging population.
Hoai Phuong (according to CNA, SCMP)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/tuoi-tho-trung-binh-cua-nguoi-trung-quoc-tang-vot-len-79-post337810.html
Comment (0)