Chongqing – China's aging population is creating growing challenges for elderly care. On January 21, during the deputy passage of the 2025 Chongqing Two Sessions, Bridging News interviewed Peng Xueping, a deputy to the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress and Chairwoman of Xueping Health Industry Group, to discuss this issue and explore potential solutions.
With over thirty years in the health industry, Peng stressed the need for a community-based elderly care system. This system connects social institutions with communities and homes, providing seniors with services like traditional Chinese medicine, rehabilitation, and nursing at their doorstep.
The deputy passage for the third session of the sixth Chongqing Municipal People's Congress was held on January 21. (Photo/Chen Zhan)
Peng highlighted that this system is designed to align with Chinese elderly culture, which values staying at home and maintaining family unity. Unlike in other countries, many older Chinese prefer to age in place, surrounded by family and lifelong friends. "Our goal is to help the elderly stay at home, with their loved ones by their side," she said.
As elderly care becomes a global challenge, Peng cites Japan as a model with valuable lessons. She urges the government to offer more targeted incentives to support the elderly.
Last year, Peng submitted a motion to conduct a dementia census for the elderly in Chongqing, highlighting that dementia rates increase significantly with age.
In 2024, the Chongqing Municipal People's Congress Social Committee conducted extensive research visits and multiple rounds of expert reviews. These efforts culminated in a special investigation into the development of a basic elderly care service system, leading to the inclusion of the elderly care services regulations in the legislative preparatory projects. This marks a significant step forward in Chongqing's legislative progress regarding elderly care services.
Peng urged the acceleration of the legislation and called for greater involvement from social efforts in elderly care, with the goal of creating a better and more fulfilling life for seniors.