Elders in Chad village of Dinggye county, Xizang autonomous region, had a group birthday celebration on Jan 6, 2026. [Photo by Palden Nyima/chinadaily.com.cn]

The Xizang autonomous region has expanded elderly care and pension coverage at a pace faster than its population growth, according to officials.

At a press conference in Lhasa on Jan 13, authorities said dozens of new care facilities had been built and pension benefits raised, while healthcare services for older residents were made more accessible.

By the end of 2025, Xizang had established 80 county-level centralized care service centers for people living in poverty, housing more than 5,800 elderly residents and providing over 12,000 care beds. More than half of those beds are designated for nursing care.

In addition, the region had built 65 day-care centers for older people and 195 rural happiness homes, designed to support seniors with daily needs while allowing them to remain in their communities.

According to data from the seventh national census, Xizang's population aged 60 and above reached 311,000, accounting for 8.52 percent of its permanent population, while those 65 and older numbered 207,000, at 5.67 percent.

These figures reflect annual growth rates of over 3 percent, outpacing the region's overall population growth.

Efforts to bolster social security were also highlighted by Lhamo Drolma, deputy director of the regional department of civil affairs. "By 2025, 539,200 personal pension accounts were established, with contributions totaling 161 million yuan ($23 million)," the official said.

The region raised the basic monthly pension for urban and rural residents to 295 yuan, double the national average and ranking fourth nationwide, she added. The pension benefits 318,200 people. Additionally, pension adjustments for retirees from enterprises and government institutions benefited over 120,000 individuals.

Healthcare for the elderly advanced swiftly, with 62 percent of secondary hospitals establishing geriatrics departments and 85 percent of medical centers becoming elderly-friendly.

Key hospitals introduced priority services, such as dedicated service windows and tailored assistance for elderly patients, to ensure broader healthcare accessibility.