BEIJING -- China is to initiate a project to improve health services for senior citizens, according to the National Health Commission (NHC).

The project is aimed at preventing and controlling chronic diseases and promoting good health among senior citizens.

Though the average life expectancy of Chinese has increased to 77 years, 180 million senior citizens are suffering from chronic diseases, according to Wang Haidong, director of the commission's ageing and health department.

The NHC plans to promote the establishment of health records for seniors aged 65 and older, and offer free physical examinations, in order to further improve health services among seniors.

The project calls on family doctors to play a more important role, and enterprises are encouraged to develop new technologies and equipment with information technologies.