Elder care studies to be diversified

New vocational bachelor programs will be introduced to address rising demand

The government will support the establishment of vocational bachelor's degree programs focused on elder care and management at vocational universities under new guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education and the National Health Commission.

The initiative aims to accelerate the training of professionals in integrated medical and elder care, addressing the rising demand for senior healthcare services, the ministries said in a circular posted online.

The guidelines call for expanding program offerings, allowing graduates of related associate degree programs, such as geriatric health management and smart elder care services, to apply for the new programs. Schools with the necessary resources are encouraged to develop training models that cover secondary education through bachelor's degree studies.