Core 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].

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]