An elderly care service center in Yiwu, Zhejiang province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

With over 14 million residents aged 60 and above, Zhejiang province is adapting to the realities of an aging society, Tide News reported on March 19.

The Civil Affairs Department of Zhejiang Province, alongside eight other provincial departments, recently introduced its first comprehensive policy to expand and professionalize the elderly care workforce.

Seniors now make up 27.36 percent of Zhejiang's registered population, an increase of 1.19 percentage points from last year. At this pace, they could exceed one-third of the population within five years, creating an urgent need for more skilled caregivers.

The policy takes a comprehensive approach, from cross-provincial recruitment to curriculum expansion in universities and career incentives for graduates. It seeks to revamp an industry where caregivers are often older and lack formal training, making elderly care a more attractive and respected profession.

A key element is the introduction of certification and talent recognition programs, granting caregivers access to housing support, residency benefits, children's education assistance, and healthcare perks — an effort to shift outdated perceptions and make the field a viable career choice.

Beyond workforce expansion, Zhejiang is investing in the broader "silver economy". An elderly care industry park has been newly opened to offer opportunities for professionals in elderly care management and innovation.

Meanwhile, the province plans to introduce the "Elderly Care Workers' Day" to elevate the profession's status, alongside skills competitions and talent selection programs to foster industry growth.