BEIJING, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu Thursday called for improving pension and service system for the country's 167 million old people and carrying forward the traditional virtue of respecting and caring for the aged.
Hui told a national conference that the aging problem had a bearing on the country's economy and people's livelihood, and was "a strategic issue" that could not be ignored in the nation's development and reform.
He said the arduous situation of the aging problem should be fully assessed, the establishment of old people's pension and service system should be accelerated, and efforts should be made to "realize, safeguard and develop" their fundamental interests.
Last year, China initiated the pilot project of rural insurance system for the aged, and there was a sharp increase in the number of nursing houses, said Hui, who also heads a national committee for the work of the aged.
By the end of 2009, there were about 167 million Chinese above 60, making up 12.5 percent of the total population. statistics show.
There are also a large number of old people that cannot take care of themselves or live without any other family members, Hui said.
He said the country's aging problem arose when its economy was still underdeveloped, and preparation was still inadequate.
He said the scope of social security and aid system for the aged should be expanded and the level should be enhanced, and their basic living standard should be ensured.
The household-based service for the aged should be combined with community and nursing home services so as to improve old people's living environment, Hui said.
He said the private sector was encouraged to build service facilities for the aged.
