Speakers
Description
Amidst an ageing population and declining birth rates, China saw a decrease of approximately 5.35 million preschoolers over the past year, according to 2023 statistics. This decline has led many kindergartens in various regions to consider functional adjustments due to low enrolment numbers. At the same time, the demand for elderly care institutions continues to grow against the backdrop of population ageing. In high-density cities, due to limited land resources, the construction of new elderly care institutions faces numerous challenges. Converting kindergartens into elderly care institutions has emerged as an economically efficient resource optimisation strategy. This study takes Wuhan, a megacity in China, as an example and explores the feasibility of such conversions from multiple dimensions, including resource supply–demand balance, building function renovation and policy support. A combination of quantitative methods, such as accessibility analysis, and qualitative methods, such as field research, is employed to provide a comprehensive investigation. The research aims to offer a scientific path and practical reference for optimising public service resources in megacities.
Results indicate a significant imbalance in the spatial distribution of resources for kindergartens and elderly care institutions in Wuhan. Kindergartens are in oversupply, whereas elderly care institutions face a noticeable scarcity in the vicinity. Regarding building function renovation, the architectural layout of kindergartens has a considerable potential for transformation. Original classrooms, dormitories and outdoor activity areas, after reasonable functional adjustments, can effectively meet the basic needs of elderly care institutions. From the perspective of policy support, relevant institutions, including the State Council, have introduced a series of policies and guidelines, emphasising the vigorous development of the silver economy. These policies support the establishment, renovation and expansion of elderly care and childcare institutions using vacant spaces in accordance with legal requirements and aim to reduce operational costs.
This study concludes that converting kindergartens into elderly care institutions is not only an economically efficient resource optimisation strategy but also an innovative path to address the supply–demand imbalance of elderly care services in high-density cities. By systematically analysing the feasibility of resource supply–demand balance, building function renovation and policy support, this strategy’s demonstrates its potential value in alleviating land resource scarcity and facilitating the transformation of public service functions. Findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation and policy basis for public service resource allocation in megacities.
| Keywords | public service resource; elderly care institution; kindergarten; optimisation strategy; policy |
|---|---|
| Best Congress Paper Award | Yes |
