China one of the most rapidly aging

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- China, the world's most populous country, is also one of the world's most rapidly aging nations, China Daily reported Saturday.

According to statistics from the National Population and Family Planning Commission, the country's top population policy-maker, residents who are 65 or older already accounted for 7.1 percent of the overall population at the end of 2001.

This figure is projected to rise dramatically in the decades immediately ahead. The commission's own predictions indicate the proportion of the population 65 or older will soar to 24 percent by 2050.

If translated into absolute numbers, that means China will boast a staggering 400 million elders over 65 by around 2050.