The number of seniors aged 60 and above in China has reached 323 million by the end of 2025, making up 23 percent of the total population. By 2035, this figure is expected to exceed 400 million, which shows that the demand for comprehensive healthcare services has become increasingly urgent.

Li Yan, a Shandong deputy to the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) and president of Qilu Pharmaceutical Group, has drawn attention to the gaps in policy implementation. Over 90 percent of seniors require accompanied medical visits due to inadequate age-friendly digital services. The supply of specialized medical devices and medications for the elderly is lacking, and data sharing among healthcare providers is below 30 percent.

Li emphasized the need for stronger coordination across health, medicine, civil affairs, and insurance authorities. She plans to advocate for improved oversight of age-friendly facilities, promotion of medical-nursing integration, and conversion of secondary hospitals into rehabilitation or nursing homes. Additionally, efforts will focus on accelerating research into elderly-appropriate medical products and including hospice care in insurance coverage.

These efforts aim to establish a seamlessly integrated healthcare service system that truly enhances seniors' sense of fulfillment and security in their later years.

Li Yan, president of Qilu Pharmaceutical Group in East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]