More facilities to be built
According to the report, China will increase the amount of nursing home beds to accommodate 3 percent of its elderly population by 2015, according to the country's five-year development program.
Rapid economic growth and urbanization have impacted traditional Chinese family values greatly, said an officer of the age-care office in Shandong Province.
Age-care facilities provide a safety net to ensure a peaceful life in one's old age, and help children fulfill their filial duties, the official said.
The current number of available nursing home beds can accommodate only 1.8 percent of China's elderly population, while the availability of beds in developed countries can serve five to seven percent.
Nursing care facilities are even scarcer in rural areas, Li added.
This means that 3.4 million beds will have to be added in five years, Li said.
It is estimated that China requires approximately 10 million caregivers to meet the needs of its aging population. However, there are only 300,000 people currently working in the field, less than 100,000 of whom are professionally qualified, according to Li.
The report also said that there is an inadequate number of privately-run nursing homes, as the private sector is reluctant to invest in this area due to low returns.
