Chinese Centenarians Exceed 10,000The number of centenaries in China had exceeded 10,000 by the end of 1999, according to the latest statistics released by the China National Committee on the Aging.The statistics shows that the number of the country's centenarians has nearly tripled that of 1949 when the People's Republic of China was founded. And the average Chinese life expectancy, which was merely 35 in 1949, now stands above 70. An official with the committee attributed the increasing number of Chinese centenarians to the improvement in living standard and health care, as well as economic and scientific advancement. The Chinese elder people are now leading an increasingly colorful life, which has greatly contributed to the nation's longevity. In 1999 alone, the elderly accounted for 20 percent of all the Chinese traveling abroad. The Chinese government plays a key part in this regard, the official said, adding that some local governments provide the elderly with subsidy, free milk and regular medical check. |
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