Newly-built elderly-care agencies in China have more than doubled over the past five years, Xinhua news agency reported, citing statistics from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
As of September 2017, the total number of elderly care institutions exceeds 144,600, a rise of 226% from 44,300 at the end of 2012.
In order to accelerate the expansion of the elderly care sector to meet continuous demand, civil affairs departments have loosened access conditions.
For example, some new elderly-care houses do not have to submit some documents, including a certification for the completion of safety construction.
In 2012, China’s elderly population aged 60 and above reached 194 million, accounting for 14.3% of the population. While at the end of 2016, that figure hit 230 million, accounting for 16.7% of the total population.