Strategies to help seniors, boost births

Political advisers said timely, comprehensive and scientific measures to deal with China's aging society and flagging fertility rate are needed as they attended a high-level seminar in Beijing on Monday.

About 40 advisers made remarks at the special meeting on demographic issues held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, China's top political advisory body.

They proposed creating a multilayered elder care system and national pension fund system, and sought to explore the purchasing power of senior citizens with a view to rolling out a development plan for senior-related industries. They said efforts will be made to reduce child-rearing costs and called for policies to help retirees reenter the job market and push back retirement. The advisers also proposed increased publicity to teach the public a proper view of aging, and build a society friendly to older people.