"These senior citizens will have an equally good or even better living environment after they move from downtown rest homes out to suburban ones," Jiao said.

Experts from Fudan University's Institute of Population Research heralded the plan, saying it was an effective way to solve the problem of overpopulation in the downtown areas.

Peng Xizhe, the institute's director, said overcrowding could lead to social problems in Shanghai's central areas and result in improper resource allocation.

Meanwhile, Shou Lili, an expert on ageing problems, warned that asking senior citizens leave the city centre could inconvenience their families.

"Moving these senior citizens to suburban rest homes might make it difficult for their children to visit them, which consequently will make these senior citizens very lonely," she said.

Shou added that the staff members at suburban rest homes and hospitals would need more training to provide adequate services.

Jiao said that Shanghai was the first city in China to face a rapidly ageing society. In 1979, 10 per cent of the city's residents were over the age of 60.

"The local government is teaming up with the families of senior citizens and other organizations to solve the ageing problem. Solving these problems will take everyone's effort, however, the local government should take the lead." Jiao added.

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