The population of people over 60 years old reached 167.14 million, a 4.53 percent increase from last year as figure shows in a report from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, people.com.cn reported Friday.

The number of people over 65 years old increased 3.22 percent, to 113.09 million.

Along with the growing elderly population, caring centers and welfare agencies for the elderly are also growing fast. There are 40,250 social welfare companies and 38,060 elder-care agencies, increases of 7.1 percent and 9.1 percent respectively from last year.

(chinadaily.com.cn June 12, 2010)