Previously we’ve discussed the aging populations and the increased need for healthcare in the US and Europe. Now let’s look at China. China’s population is aging rapidly, citizens 65 and older already account for 14 percent of its 1.4 billion people. In addition, decades of China’s One-Child Policy have added to exacerbated China’s demographic challenges. Even though the policy ended in 2016 and now families are allowed to have more than one child the fertility rate fell to just 1.0 child per woman in 2023—well below the 2.1 needed to support their aging population.
What’s Changing?
Like the US and Europe as the population ages, some of the challenges remain the same:
- Increased Healthcare Demand: As people live longer, they tend to face multiple chronic health conditions that require complex medical care.
- Caregiver Shortages: With healthcare workers retiring there is a lack of skilled professionals. The demand for care will only grow and will need more care givers to take care of their aging population.
How is China Supporting their aging Population?
To support their aging population, China’s Civil Affairs Ministry announced a series of elderly care service guidelines that connects social security and health support systems and stimulates the “silver economy.”
Their approach to healthcare includes:
- Improved Healthcare Structure: A three-tier system for elderly care from the village to township to county levels,
- Care Strategy: Increased coordination between institutional care centers and home and community-based care workers
- Embracing Technology: This includes technology such as artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and brain-computer interfaces. Unfortunately, old age also comes with underlying health challenges like immune system problems or cancer. Understanding your body temperature provides a daily healthcare status of your fever – therefore virus, bacteria or infection free. Using tools like Exergen’s Temporal Artery Thermometers for quick, accurate and non-invasive temperature readings allows healthcare workers to focus on providing care.
Like the US and Europe, China has taken a proactive and thoughtful approach to taking care of their senior’s healthcare needs. This includes an improved healthcare system infrastructure, stagey and use of innovative technology.
Sources:
- Becker’s Hospital Review: https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/workforce/the-twofold-challenge-of-an-older-population-and-how-systems-are-adapting.html?origin=QualityE&utm_source=QualityE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=0406G5485178I4E
EXERGEN P/N 850299, Rev 1