Core Insights - The aging population in China has surpassed 310 million, accounting for over 22% of the total population, marking the transition to a moderately aging society and moving towards deep aging [2][3] - The establishment of the "Elderly Care Service Specialist" as a new profession signifies a shift from labor-intensive to professionalized services in the elderly care industry [1][5] Group 1: Current State of Elderly Care - The rapid increase in the elderly population, particularly the baby boomer generation, adds significant pressure on pension systems and increases the demand for elderly care services [2][3] - There are currently over 40,000 elderly care institutions in China, with fewer than 10,000 being specialized nursing facilities, highlighting a mismatch between supply and demand [2][3] - The construction of a robust elderly care service system is essential, requiring both an expansion of service capacity and an enhancement of service quality to meet societal expectations [2][3] Group 2: Challenges and Future Directions - The primary obstacle to transitioning from "universal coverage" to "quality service" in elderly care is the need to improve service quality through the establishment of more specialized institutions and a highly skilled workforce [3][4] - A multi-tiered, diversified elderly care service ecosystem is necessary to meet the varied needs of different demographic groups, integrating institutional, community, and home care [4][10] Group 3: Role of Elderly Care Service Specialists - The introduction of the "Elderly Care Service Specialist" aims to address the talent shortage in the elderly care sector by creating a standardized training and certification system [8][9] - This new profession requires a higher level of professional skills and comprehensive qualities compared to traditional caregivers, including knowledge in geriatric psychology and health management [7][9] - The establishment of clear professional standards and qualification systems will help standardize service processes and elevate the overall professionalism in the elderly care industry [9][10] Group 4: Collaborative Support in Home-Based Elderly Care - The modern home-based elderly care model emphasizes collaboration among families, communities, and professional institutions, moving away from isolated self-care [10] - Smart devices and community service platforms play a crucial role in providing real-time support and safety for elderly individuals at home [10] - The integration of resources from professional institutions enhances the service quality and meets the diverse needs of the elderly population [10]
21专访|金维刚:养老服务师将推动养老服务向人才专业化转型