Myanmar calls for construction of new homes for aged

Myanmar Minister for Immigration and Population U Khin Yi has called for the construction of new homes for the aged in the country as the population of elderly people is expected to increase in the next 10 years, local press reported Wednesday. The population of people in 57-59 age group has increased from 5 percent of national population in 1973 to 12.2 percent in 2013, Khin Yi was quoted by Myanma Freedom Daily as saying, citing the trial census taken in 20 townships across the country last year. Yangon shelters more than 10,000 homeless people, 8 percent of which are elderly people, according to the Population Department. Meanwhile, HelpAge International which is a global network of elderly care groups, in collaboration with Myanmar Ministry of Social Welfare, Relief and Resettlement is designing an elderly care policy, which has never existed before in Myanmar. The average life expectancy of Myanmar people is 67, below the average life expectancy level of the countries in the region. To ensure the country's development, all Myanmar people should answer the questions on the 2014 national census correctly, Khin Yi said. The census will be carried out from March 30 to April 10, 2014 based on international norms and human rights.