Experts propose that Beijing
should consider its ageing problem when making urban construction
plans as the city's aged population continues to rise in the next
20 years, said Yi Mi, vice president of Beijing Municipal Committee
for the Aged.
He made the remarks at Beijing Women's Conference which convened
August 9.
Currently, the aged population in Beijing (here referring to
those above 60) has reached 1.78 million, accounting for one eighth
of the city's total. In addition, 40,000 to 50,000 Beijingers join
aged groups each year.
"Till 2005, there will be one old citizen amongst each 3.5
people, and the aged population will exceed that of children," Yi
said.
Statistics show that majority of senior citizens live in bed in
the last two years of their lives, and over 50 percent of the
80-plus people cannot take care of themselves. Thus, when these
aged become much older ten years later, they will need help with
their daily lives.
Yi Mi pointed out that Beijing's ageing process -- the process
to being a society with a top-heavy ageing population -- takes 25
years, far faster than that of cities in developed countries, where
the ageing process takes about 100 years.
However, ageing problems and its impact on society hasn't fully
been realized.
"The rapid growth of an aged population will effect the
accumulation of social assets and social reproduction," Yi said,
explaining that the ageing process would affect the adoptability
and creativity of the whole of society.
He suggested that urban construction should consider the
inconveniences for an aged population. For example, the corridors
of houses should be wide enough to facilitate the passing of
wheelchairs, and the lift should be spacious enough to hold
stretchers. As for urban infrastructure, he urged city government
to continue the construction of unobstructed passages in public
places and in public transportation.
"The ageing process is a social problem. Thus, relevant policies
should be planned earlier and combined with local conditions. Also,
with regard to ageing, the effective treatment of this problem will
show a good example to the younger generation," Yi said.
(China.org.cn by Tang Fuchun Augsut 18, 2003)