ECNS - Children in Shanghai who fail to visit their parents regularly will find their credit standing adversely affected, according to a new rule set to take effect on May 1.

If a child refuses to visit an elderly parent, the parent can file a lawsuit. If the child still refuses to follow through with their obligations after the court makes a ruling, it will be recorded into a credit platform, which could adversely affect their future work and general life.

The rule, aimed at better protecting the rights and interests of senior citizens, also requires children who have sent their parents to nursing homes to regularly visit. If they fail to do so, nursing services have an obligation to remind them.

Shanghai has also stepped up legal support for senior citizens, including a series of free authentication services.

The city had a registered population aged over 60 of about 4.36 million by the end of 2015. The number will surpass 5 million by 2018, and exceed 5.4 million by 2020, according to statistics released by local authorities.