Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing has urged all officials and the society to pay more attention to the elderly and create a social environment friendly to old people.
Addressing a national working meeting on the old-aged Monday, Li said this concerns not only the elderly but also the country's future.
The increase in the aging population marks a major achievement of the country's social and economic development, and will also have a profound impact on the development, the vice premier said.
The Party and government must safeguard the legitimate rights of the elderly, he stressed.
Li said it is essential to resolve some urgent issues that have far-reaching significance. Priority should be given to the establishment of a social security system for the benefit of the old people and improve it.
Cities and townships should do their best to set up the old-aged security system that provides basic old-aged insurance and basic medical insurance, among others.
In the rural areas, looking after the elderly should continue to be promoted, and the social relief work for the poor, disabled and those who have lost their spouses and children be further improved.
The vice premier also called governments at all levels and the society to care more about the spiritual and cultural life of the elderly and develop new services to meet their needs.
(Xinhua)
