Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a State Council executive meeting on Friday, which called for boosting the development of the silver economy to improve the well-being of the elderly.

Developing the silver economy is an important measure to actively cope with the ageing population and promote high-quality development, which will be beneficial now and in the long run, the meeting said.

Efforts must be made to secure the basic livelihood of the elderly and increase the supply of basic public services, it said, calling for giving full play to the role of various business entities and social organizations to better meet the diverse needs of the elderly and push the growth of the silver economy.

It is necessary to continue to improve relevant policies and measures, focus on solving urgent, difficult and anxious problems for the elderly such as housing and healthcare, and medical treatment, said the meeting.

The meeting also deliberated the opinions on further optimizing government services, and improving the efficiency and capacity of government services.

It stressed the need to use digital technology to further optimize service processes, streamline service materials and improve service efficiency to offer better experience to the people.

(Cover: Old people engage in fitness activities with dragon dance in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, November 22, 2023. /CFP)