He made the remarks at Beijing Women's Conference which convened August 9.

Currently, the aged population in Beijing (here referring to those above 60) has reached 1.78 million, accounting for one eighth of the city's total. In addition, 40,000 to 50,000 Beijingers join aged groups each year.

"Till 2005, there will be one old citizen amongst each 3.5 people, and the aged population will exceed that of children," Yi said.

Statistics show that majority of senior citizens live in bed in the last two years of their lives, and over 50 percent of the 80-plus people cannot take care of themselves. Thus, when these aged become much older ten years later, they will need help with their daily lives.

Yi Mi pointed out that Beijing's ageing process -- the process to being a society with a top-heavy ageing population -- takes 25 years, far faster than that of cities in developed countries, where the ageing process takes about 100 years.

However, ageing problems and its impact on society hasn't fully been realized.

"The rapid growth of an aged population will effect the accumulation of social assets and social reproduction," Yi said, explaining that the ageing process would affect the adoptability and creativity of the whole of society.

He suggested that urban construction should consider the inconveniences for an aged population. For example, the corridors of houses should be wide enough to facilitate the passing of wheelchairs, and the lift should be spacious enough to hold stretchers. As for urban infrastructure, he urged city government to continue the construction of unobstructed passages in public places and in public transportation.

"The ageing process is a social problem. Thus, relevant policies should be planned earlier and combined with local conditions. Also, with regard to ageing, the effective treatment of this problem will show a good example to the younger generation," Yi said.

(China.org.cn by Tang Fuchun Augsut 18, 2003)