Constituting nearly a quarter of the human race, the population
of China also has the largest number of older people (aged 65
and over) of any country in the world. The recent decline in fertility
has greatly accelerated the aging of the Chinese population. As a
result, the demand for long-term care is expected to increase substantially.
This chapter provides a factual assessment of the system of
long-term care for the elderly in the People's Republic of China.
Specifically, the aging of the Chinese population and its implications
are discussed first. Second, health conditions of the Chinese aged and
demand for long-term care are examined. Third, the system of longterm
care in China with respect to its organization and financing is presented. Finally, policy issues related to long-term care are re- viewed.