MinhangDistrict has announced a yearlong program to offer training, heart disease lectures and psychological guidancefor staff at elderly nursing homes in the district.

About 82 percent of the elderly in China suffer from chronic diseases, which are mainly chronic non-contagious diseases, and most have more than one disease such as hypertension, diabetes or coronary disease needing long-term treatment.

Many elderly people also have psychological problems, which can affect the treatment of their physical illnesses.

“Doctors should give medication for their cardiovascular diseases and mental and psychological support at the same time,” said Dr Wang Gaifei, president of ShanghaiYodakCardio-Thoracic Hospital, which has teamed up withMinhangauthorities to launch the program.

“Staff at elderly nursing homes should also arouse awareness of elderly people’s physical and psychological problems, especially during the novel coronavirus epidemic, as many of them may feel anxious and frightened about the infectious disease,” he added.