China is experiencing rapid population aging. By the end of 2023, individuals aged 60 and above accounted for 21.1% of the total population, whereas those aged 65 and above represented 15.4%. This demographic shift has introduced significant pressures on health care, elderly care, social security, and other sectors. In addition, it has posed new challenges in the daily management and legal protection of vulnerable groups, including those living alone, bereaved, or without family support. Against the backdrop of changing family structures and elderly care models, there is an urgent need to develop a comprehensive age-friendly service system to address these challenges. This paper examines key issues arising from aging, including socioeconomic pressures, shifts in family structures, inadequate elderly care institutions, and the lack of psychological and social support. It further analyzes the specific needs of elderly individuals in health care, daily care, emotional support, and rights protection. To address these challenges, the study proposes strategies such as improving elderly care security systems, promoting voluntary guardianship services, developing community and home-based care, enhancing psychological support, and fostering age-friendly societal development. These measures aim to ensure the well-being, dignity, and quality of life for elderly individuals in an aging society.
Wei et al. (Tue,) studied this question.