China had established more than 26,000 institutions of higher learning for the elderly by the end of 2005 with a total of 2.3 million elderly students taking part, says a white paper issued by the Information Office of the State Council Tuesday.

The white paper titled The Development of China's Undertakings for the Aged says governments at different levels, departments, enterprises and public institutions had established model institutions of higher education for the elderly.

"China pays much attention to the development of cultural education for the aged in order to enrich their cultural life and satisfy their needs in this regard," it says.

By the end of 2005 China claimed to have around 670,000 locations to facilitate access for older people to recreational activities. Public cultural services such as libraries, cultural centers, art galleries, museums and science and technology centers funded by the government as well as public recreational places including parks, gardens and tourist sites are open to seniors free or at a discount, the paper says.

The paper adds that the state has also made positive efforts to provide spiritual and cultural projects suitable for senior citizens. Central and provincial radio and TV stations broadcast programs specially tailored for elderly people. By the end of 2005 China published 24 newspapers for seniors with a total circulation of 2.8 million copies. There are also 23 magazines  and periodicals for older people selling some 3.058 million copies.

(Xinhua News Agency December 12, 2006)