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China's aged population growing at fastest rate in 60 years

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-08-26 17:20

China's aged population is growing at its fastest rate since 1949, the China National Committee on Aging said Wednesday.

China's aged population would increase by 8 million this year, up from a 3.11-million annual increase a decade ago which marked the beginning of an aging society, said Wu Yushao, deputy director of the office of the committee.

The aged population is expected to grow from 160 million in 2008 to 200 million by 2014, Wu said.

Related readings:  Expert warns China may miss last chance to tackle aging population  Work-ridden youth caught up in aging China  Shanghai encourages aging population to have 2nd baby  Govt investing heavily in aging generation

With the rapid growth of the aging population, China faces challenges in the care of "empty-nest" parents, that is one or both parents living by themselves after the children have left the home.

Nearly half, or 49.7 percent, of elderly persons in urban areas live in empty-nests. In rural areas, 48.9 percent of the elderly live alone or with grandchildren, as workers often migrate seeking employment in cities.