PING AN OF CHINA(HK:02318) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-12-24 14:38Core Viewpoint - The aging population in China has surpassed 310 million, accounting for over 20% of the total population, necessitating a shift in the elderly care service system from basic security to high-quality supply [1][3]. Group 1: Current Situation and Challenges - China's aging population is accelerating, with over 31 million people aged 60 and above, marking the transition to a moderately aging society [3]. - The annual increase in elderly population exceeds 20 million, leading to significant pressures on pension payments and a growing demand for elderly care services [3]. - There are only about 40,000 elderly care institutions and less than 10,000 professional nursing institutions, which are insufficient to meet the diverse needs of the elderly [3][4]. Group 2: Future Development of Elderly Care Services - The transition from "universal coverage" to "quality service" in the elderly care industry faces obstacles primarily related to improving service quality [4]. - There is a pressing need to establish more specialized elderly care and nursing institutions and to develop a highly skilled workforce, including professional elderly care workers [4][5]. - A multi-layered and diversified elderly care service ecosystem is essential to meet the varying needs of different groups and to integrate institutional, community, and home care [5]. Group 3: Role of Elderly Care Workers - The establishment of the "Elderly Care Worker" profession signifies a shift towards professionalization in the industry, addressing the shortage of skilled personnel [2][9]. - The new profession aims to enhance the overall quality of elderly care services through systematic training and qualification standards [10]. - Elderly care workers are expected to possess comprehensive skills, including care techniques, geriatric psychology, and health management, to provide personalized service plans [8][10]. Group 4: Collaborative Support in Home Care - The new home care model emphasizes collaboration among families, communities, and social services, moving away from isolated family care [10][11]. - Smart devices and community support systems are being integrated to provide real-time assistance and safety for elderly individuals at home [10]. - Professional institutions play a crucial role in resource integration, offering diverse services to meet the complex needs of the elderly [11].