Aging in China: A Challenge or an Opportunity?

The aging population in China is growing rapidly and by the middle of this century will peak. In addition, in 2000, elderly people aged 80 and older accounted for 18% of the world's population of oldest old. We identify here ways to begin addressing China's unique aging population needs. Through improving geriatric and gerontology education, supporting elderly institutions and elderly health care, and changing the traditional concept of death by introducing hospice care, these increased needs could begin to be met. (J Am Med Dir Assoc 2009; 10: 456-458)