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Survey shows alarming health problems among Chinese elderly

Xinhua, November 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

A survey of 3,885 elderly people across six provinces showed high rates of seniors who are overweight and malnourished, the China Development Research Foundation (CDRF) said on Sunday.

According to the survey, 31.8 percent of the respondents are overweight and 11.4 percent qualified as obese.

Meanwhile, the rate of malnutrition is still high among low-income households, the single and widowed, and those of advanced age. About 12.5 percent of the respondents suffer from anemia.

Senior males in rural areas report a higher rate of malnutrition at 16 percent.

The CDRF has compiled a report based on the survey results, calling on efforts to raise health and nutrition-related awareness for the elderly and to promote food coupons among low-income groups as a part of the national food aid program.

China's population is aging rapidly, with 202 million people, or 14.9 percent of the total population, at least 60 years old as of the end of 2013.

The share is estimated to reach 19.3 percent by 2020 and 38.6 percent by 2050, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Endi