The inaugural meeting of the Shanxi Association of Non-Profit Elderly Nursing Institutions is held in Taiyuan on March 10. Representatives of elderly nursing institutions from 11 cities across Shanxi attended the meeting. [Photo/sxrb.com]

Shanxi recently set up an association of non-profit homes for the aging to promote services for seniors in the province.

The number of people aged over 60 in Shanxi has reached 5.3 million by the end of 2015, accounting for 14.45 percent of the province's population.

The sector faces many problems, including non-standardized services and unqualified staff members.

Confronted by an aging population and inefficient services, the Shanxi Association of Non-Profit Elderly Nursing Institutions, which was founded at a meeting in the provincial capital, Taiyuan, on March 10, will draw up regulations and work with the Shanxi government to formulate a development plan for the aged care industry.

A service network will be established and periodicals will be released to update the public on the latest policies and information on senior services.

The association will launch training classes for people working for elderly nursing companies and institutions to improve their professional skills and services. It will also further international cooperation and communication in this sector.

The organization is cooperating with social groups, government-affiliated institutions and companies, as well as individuals in the aged care industry. Members of the association are being encouraged to develop and make products for the elderly.

There are more than 1,000 public and private elderly nursing institutions and 3,000 day-care centers for senior residents across Shanxi. Organizations which integrate medical care and elderly nursing number 30 so far.