Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the "Action Plan for Enhancing Elderly Care Service Capacity," which aims to address the urgent demand for elderly care services in China as the population aged 60 and above is projected to reach 310 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 22% of the total population [3][4]. Summary by Sections Action Plan Overview - The "Action Plan" outlines a strategy to enhance elderly care services by 2027, focusing on expanding resources, improving service systems, and increasing the capabilities of care personnel [3][10]. Key Tasks - The plan includes six key tasks: 1. Expand the supply of elderly care resources 2. Strengthen the elderly care service system 3. Diversify elderly care service models 4. Improve the service capabilities of care personnel 5. Ensure the quality and safety of elderly care services 6. Enhance elderly medical care services [4][12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Resource Supply Expansion - Local health authorities are tasked with planning and increasing elderly care resources based on the aging population and service demand, encouraging the establishment of nursing homes in cities with significant elderly populations [12]. Service System Construction - The plan promotes a vertically integrated elderly care service model within medical alliances, extending services from institutions to communities and homes, with a target of having over 90% of community health service centers staffed by qualified nurses by 2027 [13]. Diversification of Service Models - Medical institutions are encouraged to innovate and diversify elderly care services, utilizing technology such as "Internet + Nursing Services" to provide home care for elderly patients with mobility issues [14][15]. Personnel Training - By 2027, at least 95% of elderly care nurses in each jurisdiction are expected to undergo training to enhance their service capabilities, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge [16]. Quality and Safety Assurance - The plan emphasizes monitoring key quality indicators in elderly care, such as pressure injuries and unplanned extubations, to ensure high standards of care [17]. Improvement of Medical Care Services - Medical institutions are required to implement measures to improve elderly patients' experiences, including comprehensive assessments and psychological support, while enhancing referral services between facilities [18]. Implementation Organization - Local health authorities are urged to prioritize the action plan, coordinate resources, and integrate elderly care services with long-term care insurance policies to support the development of the elderly care service system [19].

Overview - The elderly care service market in China is rapidly growing, with a projected market size of 476.6 billion yuan in 2024, representing a year-on-year growth of 15.40% [1][11] - Home elderly care services account for approximately 56% of the market, community elderly care services for about 10%, and institutional elderly care services for around 34% [1][11] - The service offerings have expanded from basic daily care to include health management, rehabilitation care, and psychological comfort, catering to diverse needs of the elderly [1][11] Development History - The first nursing home in China was established in 1956, and by the end of 1958, there were 150,000 nursing homes across the country [4] - The establishment of the National Aging Work Committee in 1982 marked the beginning of a structured approach to elderly care [4] - Key policies and frameworks have been developed over the years, including the 2000 decision to strengthen community-based elderly care and the 2013 guidelines to accelerate the development of the elderly care service industry [4][5] Market Policies - A series of policies have been issued to enhance elderly health services, including the "14th Five-Year Plan" for aging services and the "Action Plan for Improving Nursing Services (2023-2025)" [7] - These policies aim to improve the quality of elderly care services and encourage social participation in the industry [7] Industry Chain - The upstream of the elderly care service industry includes sectors such as elderly real estate, medical devices, rehabilitation aids, and health management software [8] - The midstream consists of the elderly care service providers, while the downstream includes the elderly individuals and their families who receive these services [8] Current Market Situation - The aging population in China is increasing, with 22.023 million people aged 65 and above projected for 2024, accounting for 15.6% of the total population [9][10] - The rising income levels and health awareness among the elderly are driving demand for higher quality care services [9] Competitive Landscape - The elderly care service market is characterized by intense competition, with a predominance of small to medium-sized enterprises [11][12] - Over 60% of registered elderly care service companies have a registered capital of less than 2 million yuan, while only about 6% have over 50 million yuan [12] Key Players - **Taikang Home**: A subsidiary of Taikang Insurance Group, it focuses on integrated elderly care services and has established a presence in 37 major cities [12] - **Chunxuanmao Elderly Care Management Co.**: A high-quality health elderly care brand under the Ocean Group, operating nearly 30 facilities across 11 cities [15] Future Trends - The elderly population is expected to seek more self-reliance and cultural engagement, leading to a shift towards "active aging" [17] - The integration of elderly care services with healthcare, insurance, and technology sectors is anticipated to deepen, fostering new business models such as travel and educational elderly care [17]