China launches campaign to help senior citizens cross digital divide

A staff member helps a senior citizen with a health-tracking app at Xuanwu Hospital of the Capital Medical University in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 10, 2020. China has launched a three-year campaign to help the country's senior citizens cross the digital divide and enjoy the development of intelligent technology. The government recently issued a plan specifying measures to help the elderly overcome barriers to using smart technologies while maintaining traditional services for them. The plan, issued by the General Office of the State Council, sets objectives for the 2020-2022 period focusing on seven types of services and scenarios frequently encountered by the elderly, such as medical treatment, recreational activities, and civic services. To ensure better access to medical treatment, the plan urged efforts to help the elderly make appointments by providing diversified channels and simplifying the procedures for making appointments online.

A staff member helps a senior citizen check the appointment information on the mobile phone at Beijing Tiantan Hospital under the Capital Medical University in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2020.

Senior citizens make appointments and pay for the hospital bills at a desk dedicated to the elderly and the disabled at Beijing Tiantan Hospital under the Capital Medical University in Beijing, capital of China, Dec. 9, 2020.