TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) said on Wednesday the government will integrate healthcare and long-term care services to enhance support for the elderly.

Taiwan entered a super-aged society this year, with the elderly population reaching 4.45 million. The ministry predicted the elderly population is expected to exceed 20% of the nation's population this year, per CNA.

The Federation for the Welfare of Taiwan’s Seniors held a banquet at Taipei’s Cosmos Hotel on Wednesday, inviting 300 social workers and elderly participants. Chiu attended the event and said this measure is expected to enhance care for approximately 690,000 elderly individuals living alone in Taiwan. 

Chiu said as of September, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has established 4,949 elderly care centers within communities nationwide. The ministry intends to expand the services and the number of these centers. 

In 2023, the ministry launched a program to support elderly individuals living alone and required local governments to integrate community resources for elder care.

Chiu said the program will enhance home safety for the elderly living alone. This includes initiatives such as installing safety devices in their homes and training additional social workers.

Chen Hung-tsai (陳宏材), a vice chair of the federation, urged society to pay more attention to elderly individuals’ needs and well-being. He hopes that society will reduce age discrimination and empower older adults to embrace new experiences in their later years.

Chui pledged to collaborate with relevant government departments to care for the elderly and focus on preventing dementia and disability among older adults.