CHINA is accelerating efforts to train professionals in integrated medical and elderly care to meet the growing demands of its rapidly aging population. In a joint move, the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission issued a directive on Wednesday, calling on vocational universities to establish bachelor’s degree programs in medical and elderly care services. The initiative encourages graduates from related vocational fields to enroll, with institutions exploring seamless training models that bridge secondary and undergraduate education. Schools are also advised to design programs tailored to regional elderly care needs and to strengthen collaboration among universities, vocational colleges, and healthcare institutions. To ensure practical expertise, partnerships with elderly care centers, hospitals, and nursing homes will be expanded, with at least 50% of coursework dedicated to hands-on training. This approach aims to equip students with the skills necessary to deliver high-quality integrated care for seniors. The move highlights China’s commitment to addressing the challenges of its aging society by building a skilled workforce capable of meeting the rising demand for medical and elderly care services. Currently, individuals aged 60 and above account for over 20% of China’s population, a figure projected to reach 30% by 2035, when the elderly population is expected to exceed 400 million. (Xinhua) | 