One third of China's total population, about 437 million people, will be citizens over 60 years old in 2050, an official in charge of aging affairs said Friday.

Yan Qingchun, vice director of the national aging affairs office, said that the aging speed of China's population is considerably fast around the world which would bring challenges to the country's social security system and economic development.

By the end of 2008, China had 160 million people over 60, which accounted for 12 percent of the total 1.3 billion population. By 2020, there will be 248 million, according to the office.

The official called for more attention to the country's aging problems and more care for the elderly.

Chinese law defines citizens elder than 60 as senior citizens.

(Xinhua News Agency July 4, 2009)