By Feng Wenmeng, Research Team on “Chinese People’s Livelihood”, DRC

Research report No.89, 2017 (Total 5164) 2017-8-10

Abstract: DRC research team on “Chinese People’s Livelihood” conducted a household questionnaire survey in eight provinces in 2016. The survey results show that eldercare has made remarkable progress in recent years. The elderly are much satisfied with their personal life and various arrangements related to their livelihood. However, the elderly are still worried about some issues such as the source of old-age pension in the future, the improvement of health care system and the heavy medical expenses. Some of these issues are related to systematic defects, which will take some time to be addressed; some are caused by lack of specific policy measures, calling for the formulation of practicable plans. In years to come, the number of aging population will increase at a faster pace, so improving old-age security and service system has a more important and practical significance. In view of the issues relating to old-age care, the future policy needs to center on addressing the three major problems: the enhancement of old-age security, the establishment of a diversified eldercare system, and effective reduction of medical expenses of the elderly.

Key words: aging population, pension insurance, medicare, medical expenses