(CLO) Chinese people are living longer, with the average life expectancy reaching 79 years in 2024, an increase of 0.4 years compared to 2023.
Minister of the National Health Commission Lei Haichao said China currently ranks fourth in life expectancy among 53 middle- and high-income countries, and tenth in the G20.
Some regions, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, and Jiangsu, have surpassed the 80-year mark in life expectancy. He emphasized that China still has the potential to further increase life expectancy through improvements in healthcare and public health.
Illustration photo: Unsplash
However, Mr. Lei warned of a worrying trend: the number of overweight and obese people is rapidly increasing due to improved living standards, high-calorie diets, and lack of physical activity.
It is projected that by 2030, as many as 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 risk factors while investing in upgrading the healthcare system. Currently, more than 90% of village clinics have been included in the health insurance system, along with an investment of nearly 900 million yuan to upgrade medical equipment in hospitals in central and western China.
Life expectancy in China has increased significantly more than the average of 0.1 to 0.2 years in countries with an average life expectancy above 75. However, alongside this, China faces serious demographic challenges due to its rapidly aging population and a continuing decline in its birth rate.
The country's population declined for the third consecutive year in 2024, decreasing by 1.39 million people to 1.4083 billion. The rapidly aging population is putting significant pressure on the social security system and the labor market, as the young workforce continues to shrink.
China is building a three-tiered service system, from county-level management centers to community service stations in towns and villages. A "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 promoting 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 the elderly receive adequate care, maintain their ability to participate in society, and enjoy life to the fullest. By continuously promoting these initiatives, China hopes to build a comprehensive and sustainable social security system in the context of an increasingly 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
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