Taiwan to survey 700,000 seniors living independently in 2026: MOHW

Taipei, Nov. 9 (CNA) 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.

Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said on the sidelines of a healthcare seminar that Taiwan's rapidly aging population and declining birthrate have made the issue of seniors living alone increasingly pressing.

The survey, to be jointly conducted by the MOHW and the Ministry of the Interior, aims to establish baseline data and better allocate care resources, Shih said.

According to local government estimates, about 700,000 elderly people in Taiwan currently live independently, including those living alone and elderly couples living without other family members.

Shih said the government plans to allocate NT$6.2 billion (US$200 million) from a special act on national resilience to complete a full visitation program within two years, ensuring that every independent senior receives at least one in-person visit.

The census will cover all elderly individuals living independently, regardless of income, and assess them based on family support, health condition and ability to perform daily activities. Seniors will be classified as high-, medium- or low-risk.

Those deemed high risk or in need of closer monitoring will receive tailored services such as meal delivery, regular visits or installation of emergency alert devices to help reduce deaths among seniors living alone, Shih said.

He added that the assessment data will guide resource allocation under the 10-year Long-term Care 3.0 plan, set to begin in 2026, which emphasizes integrated care centered around individuals, families and communities.

In addition to elder care, Shih said the MOHW plans to expand its newborn care pediatrician system, under which a designated doctor and medical team monitor children's health up to age 3, to cover all preschoolers up to age 6.

Designated pediatricians act as "guardian angels" who oversee children's growth, vaccinations and preventive care, Shih said, adding that they can also remind parents about fluoride treatments or refer children for developmental assessments when needed.