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Political advisors call for improving mental health for elderly

Xinhua, March 14, 2016 Adjust font size:

Chinese political advisors have advocated better mental health care for the elderly during China's most important annual legislative meetings.

Rao Geping, a law professor of Peking University and a political advisor, said the elderly population's demand for mental healthcare has risen but been far short of supply. Very few institutes are providing such support, he said.

A poll of 1,000 elderly people conducted in February in Suzhou showed 12.5 percent had mental health disorders. When asked what kind of care they prefer, over 90 percent chose psychological care over material support.

More psychologists or those with professional knowledge should be available in elderly institutes and communities, Rao said.

China had more than 220 million people aged over 60 in 2015, accounting for 16.1 percent of the country's total population, official data showed. The number will grow to 300 million by 2025.

Zhang Shiping, also a political advisor and deputy head the social and legal affairs committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, also made calls to improve healthcare for the growing number of elderly in China.

At least 70 percent of the old people have chronic diseases, and many of them often experience mental disorders, he said.

More shall be done to improve their living, restore their dignity and support system, he added.

"As people get older, and their health decays, their demand for psychological consolation will also rise," said Li Zan, a councilor in the Beijing Shifangyuan Elderly Hospice and Mind Care Center, a non-profit group.

Since its founding 2011, it has opened 18 elderly institutes and provided healthcare and support to over 54 communities.

The Beijing Civil Affairs Bureau, has opened a hotline for elderly. Li Hongbing, deputy director of the bureau, said many old people have received help through the hotline service.

"It has helped prevent suicide, mental deterioration for those who lost their children and helped them manage emotions," he said. Endi