Extending the life span and improving the quality of life of senior citizens has become one of the main objectives in the 10th Five-Year Plan of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region, said Lobsang Tonzhub, vice chairman of the regional government.

According to the plan, by the end of 2005, every Tibetan prefecture and city will have its own welfare and service facilities and entertainment centers for the elderly.

The governments at all levels in the region will try to offer financial support, medical treatment, health care and community services to the elderly and guarantee their rights and protect their interests.

Statistics show that Tibet's older population has increased rapidly during recent years. Currently, over 200,000 citizens are over 60, making up 8 percent of the Tibetan population, while 118,000 citizens or 4.5 percent are over 65.

In addition, Tibet's Xigaze and Ari areas have become ageing societies where elderly people make up 10 percent and 13 percent of the local population respectively.

Ma Zebi, director of the regional bureau of civil affairs, said that the regional government has paid great attention to welfare services for the elderly since 1992.

During the next five years, the government will launch more welfare programs for elderly people, ensuring they are well-cared for, have medical services, are occupied doing what they enjoy and make a contribution to society, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2001)