Li Lanqing, vice-chairman and head of the China National Committee on Aging, called on government officials at all levels to include the problems of the aging in their local economic and social plans so that this priority will develop in a planned, constructive, and coordinated way.

Li, who is also a vice-premier of China, visited a clinic and a multi-functional library for the aged in western Beijing, a neighborhood service center in the eastern part of the city, and also watched a fashion show given by aged citizen on November 13.

At present, Beijing has 1.74 million people at or above the age of 60, accounting for 14 percent of the city's population.

Li said people of advanced age are the creators of social wealth, and have made enthusiastic contributions to the founding, construction, and development of new China.

He called on all people to foster the habit of respecting, loving, and helping the elderly.

Leading officials should work for aged people wholeheartedly and develop more ways to arouse their enthusiasm, he said.

"Services for the elderly cover a wide range, and their development can provide them with conveniences while expanding the domestic demand and creating more jobs," he added.

He urged all localities to construct more educational facilities for this segment of the population, and organize cultural and sports activities for them as well.