老年人心理关爱项目 (lǎoniánrén xīnlǐ guānài xiàngmù): Senior citizen's psychological care project

The National Health Commission has announced it will launch a nationwide pilot program for the psychological care of senior citizens this year, which aims to provide psychological support for elderly residents at the grassroots level.

China has an aging society. Its population aged 60 and above is already more than 249 million. The emotional and psychological well-being of the elderly is a pressing issue.

The pilot program for senior citizens' psychological care will be launched in 1,600 urban communities and 320 rural villages nationwide. It will provide national and provincial level training to local authorities in terms of evaluating the mental health of the elderly, necessary medical intervention and recommended medical services.

In the pilot communities and villages, the local permanent resident population aged 65 and above will be offered mental health evaluations. For those who have an evaluation and the results show mild anxiety or depression, there will be medical intervention or regular follow-up visits. Those senior citizens whose evaluation results show an early stage dementia, moderate or severe mental health problems or disorders will be offered greater assistance.

The pilot program is expected to promote mental health awareness among the elderly and lead social organizations to participate in the construction of a senior citizen mental health service platform.