China needs at least 5.2 million trained people to take care of the aged by 2020 and by 2050 the demand will have increased to 13.14 million, according to the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Zhang Bingzi, an associate researcher with the center said in a paper that a favorable environment need to be established to attract more professional and trained caregivers.

At the same time, he said, new technologies should be actively utilized, such as auxiliary appliances and smart devices, to enhance the independence of the aged and reduce their dependence on carers.

Zhang said China should support care workers and improve their lifelong education and training.

He also said that China should attach more importance to supporting the non-professional care givers, improve employment opportunities in the pension industry, and actively, yet prudently, open the pension services market.