More than 1,300 elderly people in China go missing every day - 500 thousand per year, according to a new report. Older people aged 65 years and older missing, according to the Institute of social assistance "Sungmin" under the Ministry of civil Affairs.

"This is a huge number and social problem that we can't afford to ignore," said van Sekin, President of the Institute "Sungmin" on Sunday. About 25% missing was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, while 72% suffered from memory impairment, according to the report. Of those who were discovered after missing 25% then again were missing, added the report author Xiong Haibin.

While Chinese law requires adults to support their parents, many older people whose children died or went left without care. This problem is particularly acute in rural areas and small towns, because young populations tend to migrate to the big cities on the East coast of China.

The country is home to more older people - 114 million aged 65 years and older than in any other developing country, according to the world Bank. By 2030, the government has warned that China will have the most elderly population on earth, with more than 400 million people older than 60 years.

This problem is compounded by China's draconian laws, family planning, aging is a major problem for all of Asia.
sections: Society, World News, Accidents