Taipei: Taiwan will launch its first nationwide census on elderly people living independently in 2026 to identify an estimated 700,000 seniors and strengthen community-based healthcare and long-term care services, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) said Sunday.
According to Focus Taiwan, Health Minister Shih Chung-liang highlighted the urgency of addressing the needs of seniors living alone due to the country’s rapidly aging population and declining birthrate. The survey, a joint effort by the MOHW and the Ministry of the Interior, aims to establish baseline data for better allocation of care resources.
Local government estimates indicate that about 700,000 elderly people in Taiwan currently live independently. This includes those living alone and elderly couples without other family members. Shih stated that the government will allocate NT$6.2 billion (US$200 million) from a special act on national resilience to ensure each independent senior receives at least one in-person visit within two years.
The comprehensive census will assess all elderly individuals living independently, regardless of income, focusing on family support, health condition, and ability to perform daily activities. Seniors will be classified as high-, medium-, or low-risk. High-risk individuals or those requiring close monitoring will receive tailored services such as meal delivery, regular visits, or emergency alert devices to reduce mortality among seniors living alone.
Shih emphasized that the collected data will inform resource allocation under the upcoming 10-year Long-term Care 3.0 plan, which will begin in 2026. This plan prioritizes integrated care centered around individuals, families, and communities.
In addition to elder care, Shih announced plans to expand the MOHW’s newborn care pediatrician system to cover all preschoolers up to age 6. Designated pediatricians will monitor children’s growth, vaccinations, and preventive care, acting as “guardian angels” who can also remind parents about necessary treatments or refer children for developmental assessments when needed.