Nation is boosting older citizens' access to digital services

China has put great emphasis on boosting accessibility of digital services for the elderly, to ensure no one will be left behind in the digital age, Guo Weimin, the spokesman of the fourth session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said during a news briefing on Wednesday.

Guo said the central leadership has attached great significance to helping seniors adapt to the increasing use of digital devices in daily life.

In November, the State Council released a document laying out measures aimed at addressing digital difficulties faced by the elderly population in seven fields, including the transport, healthcare and consumption sectors.

"Our research shows that a number of government departments have already taken action to ease elderly peoples' adaptation to a smart society," he said.

In one example, Guo said many public venues have allowed seniors to enter by registering their ID card number, instead of requiring them to show a digital health code on a mobile phone, which is harder to obtain for the less tech-savvy population.

He added that some hospitals have set up special services targeting older people to help them make appointments or payments.

"Issues confronting the elderly in the digital age are being addressed gradually," he said.

Guo said tackling the aging population and promoting "balanced development of the population" is high on the agenda of this year's session.

"Political advisers will delve deeply into these issues and deliver proposals to decision-making bodies," he said.

"We also call on the whole of society to make elderly life more convenient, and encourage young people to communicate more with older people to help them adapt to modern life," he said.