102-year old Xie Xiuying (middle), a local of Qionghai City, in Hainan Province, with her two daughters-in-law in this 2007 file photo. [Photo: cnsphoto]

Centenarians in Hainan Province will receive a monthly allowance of at least 150 yuan, or $22 US dollars, from the provincial government starting from next year, according to officials from the Department of Civil Affairs.

The "Hainan Daily" reports through this year's examination and approval system, the number of those entitled to get the subsidy next year will total 1,112, a 15% rise compared with this year. Among the 1,112 people, the oldest female is 117, while the oldest male is 109.

In addition, to better improve care facilities, the Department of Civil Affairs plans to build more homes for the elderly. Currently there are 228 social welfare service organizations, which provide over 4,000 beds for the aged. A welfare service system focusing on the needs of the older generation has also been set up in Hainan.

South China's Hainan Province constantly faces issues relating to an aging population. Statistics show the average growth of the older demographic climbed 5.7% from 2001 to 2007. There were over 980,000 residents aged 60 or above, accounting for more than one tenth of the total provincial population.