In 2020, about 17.9 percent of the population in China had been 60 years and older. This share is growing rapidly and was estimated to reach 40 percent by 2050. China's aging population With China’s boomer generation growing old and life expectancy increasing at the same time, the number of people at an age of 60 or above nearly doubled between 2000 and 2020 and reached around 255 million. This development is even more pronounced for the age group of 80 and above, which nearly tripled and is expected to reach a size of roughly 132 million in 2050, up from only 32 million in 2020. At the same time, the share of the working-age population is forecasted to decrease gradually from 64 percent of the total population in 2020 to around 50 percent in 2050, which could pose a heavy economic strain on the social security system. The old-age dependency ratio, which denotes the relation of the old-age to the working-age population, is estimated to grow from 18.2 percent in 2020 to more than 50 percent in 2050, implying that by then, statistically, two working-age adults would have to support one elderly. Strain on the social security net During the last 15 years, China's government has successfully increased the coverage of the pension insurance and health insurance. Today, most of the people are covered by some kind of social insurance. Conditions in the pension system are generous, with a regular retirement age for males at 60 years and women at 50 or 55. With the number of retirees increasing quickly, the social insurance system is now under pressure. From an economic point of view, improving the productivity of China's economy would be the primary choice for mitigating alleged inconsistencies of the system. However, without increasing the burden on the working people while tightening payment conditions, balancing the social security net could prove to be challenging.

As the global population ages, China faces unique challenges due to its rapid economic development and societal changes. The older adult population in China, especially females, is growing rapidly, with women outnumbering men in older age groups. Gender disparities in aging manifest in physiological, psychological, and social aspects, including higher risks of cardiovascular diseases in older adultmen and osteoporosis in older adult women. China’s rapidly aging population faces profound gender disparities in health outcomes, shaped by biological, social, and cultural determinants. Synthesizing data from the Global Burden of Disease study and national surveys, this perspective highlights elevated cardiovascular risks among older adult men, osteoporosis prevalence in women, and systemic inequities in healthcare access. We propose gender-sensitive strategies spanning research, policy, and societal awareness to advance equitable healthy aging.

The China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) is a nationwide, continuous large-scale social survey project. By regularly and systematically collecting social and economic background data of the elderly population in China, it grasps various issues and challenges faced by the elderly in the aging process, evaluates the actual effects of various social policy measures in improving the quality of life of the elderly, and provides important theoretical and factual basis for solving aging problems in China.

This brief outlines the socioeconomic implications of the aging population of the People's Republic of China. Hazards of population aging, and China’s position regarding aging are discussed. The challenges ahead are then outlined: sustaining inclusive economic growth, improving mobility and quality of the labour force, and strengthening safety nets. The brief concludes with policy directions for the PRC.

In 2024, about 60.9 percent of the Chinese population was between 16 and 59 years old. Apart from the information given on broad age groups in this statistic, some more information is provided by a timeline for the age distribution and a population breakdown by smaller age groups. Demographic development in China China ranked as the second most populous country in the world with a population of nearly 1.41 billion as of mid 2024, surpassed only by India. As the world population reached more than eight billion in mid 2024, China represented almost one fifth of the global population. China's population increased exponentially between the 1950s and the early 1980s due to Mao Zedong's population policy. To tackle the problem of overpopulation, a one-child policy was implemented in 1979. Since then, China's population growth has slowed from more than two percent per annum in the 1970s to around 0.5 percent per annum in the 2000s, and finally turned negative in 2022. China's aging population One outcome of the strict population policy is the acceleration of demographic aging trends. According to the United Nations, China's population median age has more than doubled over the last five decades, from 18 years in 1970 to 37.5 years in 2020. Few countries have aged faster than China. The dramatic aging of the population is matched by slower growth. The total fertility rate, measuring the number of children a woman can expect to have in her life, stood at just around 1.2 children. This incremental decline in labor force could lead to future challenges for the Chinese government, causing instability in current health care and social insurance mechanisms. To learn more about demographic development of the rural and urban population in China, please take a look at our reports on population in China and aging population in China.

Moran’s I estimation of population aging in China.

In 2024, there were around 719 million male inhabitants and 689 million female inhabitants living in China, amounting to around 1.41 billion people in total. China's total population decreased for the first time in decades in 2022, and population decline is expected to accelerate in the upcoming years. Birth control in China From the beginning of the 1970s on, having many children was no longer encouraged in mainland China. The one-child policy was then introduced in 1979 to control the total size of the Chinese population. According to the one-child policy, a married couple was only allowed to have one child. With the time, modifications were added to the policy, for example parents living in rural areas were allowed to have a second child if the first was a daughter, and most ethnic minorities were excepted from the policy. Population ageing The birth control led to a decreasing birth rate in China and a more skewed gender ratio of new births due to boy preference. Since the negative economic and social effects of an aging population were more and more felt in China, the one-child policy was considered an obstacle for the country’s further economic development. Since 2014, the one-child policy has been gradually relaxed and fully eliminated at the end of 2015. However, many young Chinese people are not willing to have more children due to high costs of raising a child, especially in urban areas.

The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) is China’s most representative region with remarkable economic development vitality. The purpose of this study is to provide valuable data analysis to actively respond to the population aging in China. We mainly focus on the spatial and temporal evolution of population aging in YRDUA from 2000 to 2020 using city-level population data. This study constructs a multi-dimensional index system to measure population aging including population aging degree, speed, and density. It finds out: (1) the elderly population rate (EPR), the elder-child ratio (ECR), and the elderly dependency ratio (EDR) in the YRDUA area are gradually increasing from 2000 to 2020. In addition, the trends of these indicators in various cities and regions are relatively consistent. All 27 cities in YRDUA entered an aging society, from the primary to the moderate aging stage from 2000 to 2010 and from the moderate to the hyper aging stage from 2010 to 2020. (2) the absolute and relative growth rate of EPR is increasing from 2000 to 2020. However, the absolute and relative growth rate of ECR is increasing from 2000 to 2010 and then decreasing from 2010 to 2020. These results indicate that the two-child policy adopted by the Chinese government plays a positive role. (3) the density level of the elderly population in the YRDUA evolved from low in 2000 to middle in 2010 and then to high in 2020. (4) There are remarkable differences in the process of population aging among three provinces and one city. The contribution of this study is mainly reflected in two aspects: firstly, it constructs a multi-dimensional index system to measure population aging; secondly, using this multi-dimensional index system, it systematically observes the spatial and temporal evolution of population aging from 2000 to 2020 in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration.

According to latest figures, the Chinese population decreased by 1.39 million to around 1.408 billion people in 2024. After decades of rapid growth, China arrived at the turning point of its demographic development in 2022, which was earlier than expected. The annual population decrease is estimated to remain at moderate levels until around 2030 but to accelerate thereafter. Population development in China China had for a long time been the country with the largest population worldwide, but according to UN estimates, it has been overtaken by India in 2023. As the population in India is still growing, the country is very likely to remain being home of the largest population on earth in the near future. Due to several mechanisms put into place by the Chinese government as well as changing circumstances in the working and social environment of the Chinese people, population growth has subsided over the past decades, displaying an annual population growth rate of -0.1 percent in 2024. Nevertheless, compared to the world population in total, China held a share of about 17 percent of the overall global population in 2024. China's aging population In terms of demographic developments, the birth control efforts of the Chinese government had considerable effects on the demographic pyramid in China. Upon closer examination of the age distribution, a clear trend of an aging population becomes visible. In order to curb the negative effects of an aging population, the Chinese government abolished the one-child policy in 2015, which had been in effect since 1979, and introduced a three-child policy in May 2021. However, many Chinese parents nowadays are reluctant to have a second or third child, as is the case in most of the developed countries in the world. The number of births in China varied in the years following the abolishment of the one-child policy, but did not increase considerably. Among the reasons most prominent for parents not having more children are the rising living costs and costs for child care, growing work pressure, a growing trend towards self-realization and individualism, and changing social behaviors.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the China town population by age cohorts (Children: Under 18 years; Working population: 18-64 years; Senior population: 65 years or more). It lists the population in each age cohort group along with its percentage relative to the total population of China town. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution across children, working population and senior population for dependency ratio, housing requirements, ageing, migration patterns etc.

Key observations

The largest age group was 18 to 64 years with a poulation of 2,829 (63.22% of the total population). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age cohorts:

• Under 18 years
• 18 to 64 years
• 65 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age cohort for the China town population analysis. Total expected values are 3 groups ( Children, Working Population and Senior Population).
• Population: The population for the age cohort in China town is shown in the following column.
• Percent of Total Population: The population as a percent of total population of the China town is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for China town Population by Age. You can refer the same here

The China assisted living market is experiencing robust growth, driven by an aging population, increasing disposable incomes, and a rising awareness of senior care needs. With a CAGR exceeding 12% since 2019 and a projected market size of (estimated) $XX million in 2025, this sector presents significant investment opportunities. Key drivers include government initiatives promoting senior care infrastructure development, urbanization leading to increased demand for professional care services, and a growing preference for non-family-based living arrangements among older adults. The market is segmented geographically, with Shanghai, Beijing, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Chengdu representing significant hubs of activity. Leading players like China Vanke, Sino-Ocean Group, and Taikang Life are actively shaping the market landscape through strategic investments and service innovations. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of high-quality assisted living, limited availability of skilled professionals, and regional disparities in service provision. Future growth will depend on overcoming these restraints through strategic partnerships, technological advancements (such as telehealth integration), and continuous improvement in service standards to meet the evolving needs of an increasingly aging populace. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued market expansion, fueled by sustained demographic shifts and government policies that aim to improve the overall quality of senior care. While challenges related to staffing and affordability will persist, innovative service models and technological advancements are expected to mitigate some of these pressures. The expansion into secondary and tertiary cities presents a significant avenue for growth, as demand for assisted living solutions expands beyond the major metropolitan areas. Successful players will be those who can adapt quickly to changing regulatory landscapes, deliver cost-effective and high-quality services, and effectively address the diverse needs of their residents. Recent developments include: In September 2021, the Grand Opening of Lendlease's landmark senior living project in Qingpu, Shanghai, was announced. Ardo Gardens provides a welcoming and well-being-focused environment for seniors to live vibrant and active lives, supported by luxury facilities and the best services., In May 2021, New China Life Insurance Co. Ltd opened a new elderly care community in Beijing's Yanqing district, totaling 280,000 sq. m and 2,000 apartments. The community will provide about 200 long-term apartments tailored for the elderly and 100 short-term guest rooms in the project's first phase, along with entertainment, catering, sports, medical care, social exchange, and wealth management services.. Notable trends are: Increase in Senior Population and Life Expectancy.

The challenge of population ageing in China is an emergent area of concern with significant implications as China enters into a period referred to as 'super ageing' (Joseph and Phillips 1999). By 2008 the number of people in China who were 60 or over had reached 159 million, comprising 12 per cent of the total population. Accelerated by economic reforms, a large scale migration of younger workers from rural to urban areas has taken place since the 1990s, which has geographically separated many adult children from their ageing parents and has posed significant challenges to traditional patterns of familial support to rural older people. By focusing upon micro-level processes, the project will employ qualitative techniques to examine the impact of these socio-economic transitions on the experiences of older people in rural areas where two thirds of China's ageing population reside. Through life history interviews and in-depth studies of two rural villages, the project examines the extent to which rural-urban migration has reshaped expectations and experiences of familial support in old age and whether and how intergenerational/gender relations have been transformed by migration. 60 interviews were conducted with individual members from 17 families in 2 rural villages in China.

The graph shows the number of nursing homes and social welfare institutions providing accommodation for elderly people in China from 2014 to 2024. In 2024, a total of around 406,000 welfare institutions for aged people existed in China, including 40,307 nursing homes.

Speed of population aging in Yangtze river delta urban agglomeration (2000–2010).

Aging Population and Environmental Goals: Exploring China’s Path to Economic Growth and Carbon Neutrality

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the China population by age cohorts (Children: Under 18 years; Working population: 18-64 years; Senior population: 65 years or more). It lists the population in each age cohort group along with its percentage relative to the total population of China. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution across children, working population and senior population for dependency ratio, housing requirements, ageing, migration patterns etc.

Key observations

The largest age group was 18 to 64 years with a poulation of 459 (51.46% of the total population). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates.

Age cohorts:

• Under 18 years
• 18 to 64 years
• 65 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age cohort for the China population analysis. Total expected values are 3 groups ( Children, Working Population and Senior Population).
• Population: The population for the age cohort in China is shown in the following column.
• Percent of Total Population: The population as a percent of total population of the China is shown in the following column.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for China Population by Age. You can refer the same here

The global commercialized institutional elderly care services market is experiencing robust growth, driven by an aging global population and increasing demand for professional care solutions. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $500 billion, exhibiting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key factors. Firstly, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly necessitates specialized care, increasing the demand for nursing homes, rehabilitation institutions, and elderly apartments. Secondly, shifting demographics, with a larger proportion of the population entering old age, significantly contributes to market growth. Thirdly, advancements in medical technology and care practices are improving the quality of life for elderly individuals and driving demand for specialized services. Finally, increasing government initiatives and supportive healthcare policies in several regions are also fostering market growth. The market segmentation reveals significant opportunities across various service types and elderly care needs. While elderly apartments cater to those with full or semi self-care abilities, nursing homes and rehabilitation institutions focus on individuals requiring more intensive care. The "Other" segment encompasses a broad range of services tailored to specific needs, such as assisted living facilities and home healthcare services. The application-based segmentation highlights the diverse needs within the elderly population, with the non-self-care elderly segment representing a significant market share. Geographical distribution shows considerable variation, with developed regions like North America and Europe exhibiting higher market penetration compared to developing economies in Asia and Africa. However, the latter regions hold considerable growth potential due to their rapidly aging populations and increasing disposable incomes. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with both established players and emerging companies vying for market share through innovations in service delivery, technology integration, and expansion strategies.

Replication Package for Population aging and intensified economic downside risk: Evidence from China, submitted to Economic Modelling (ECMODE-D-24-02239)

The Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration (YRDUA) is China’s most representative region with remarkable economic development vitality. The purpose of this study is to provide valuable data analysis to actively respond to the population aging in China. We mainly focus on the spatial and temporal evolution of population aging in YRDUA from 2000 to 2020 using city-level population data. This study constructs a multi-dimensional index system to measure population aging including population aging degree, speed, and density. It finds out: (1) the elderly population rate (EPR), the elder-child ratio (ECR), and the elderly dependency ratio (EDR) in the YRDUA area are gradually increasing from 2000 to 2020. In addition, the trends of these indicators in various cities and regions are relatively consistent. All 27 cities in YRDUA entered an aging society, from the primary to the moderate aging stage from 2000 to 2010 and from the moderate to the hyper aging stage from 2010 to 2020. (2) the absolute and relative growth rate of EPR is increasing from 2000 to 2020. However, the absolute and relative growth rate of ECR is increasing from 2000 to 2010 and then decreasing from 2010 to 2020. These results indicate that the two-child policy adopted by the Chinese government plays a positive role. (3) the density level of the elderly population in the YRDUA evolved from low in 2000 to middle in 2010 and then to high in 2020. (4) There are remarkable differences in the process of population aging among three provinces and one city. The contribution of this study is mainly reflected in two aspects: firstly, it constructs a multi-dimensional index system to measure population aging; secondly, using this multi-dimensional index system, it systematically observes the spatial and temporal evolution of population aging from 2000 to 2020 in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration.

China Population: Age 65 and Above data was reported at 220.230 Person mn in 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 216.760 Person mn for 2023. China Population: Age 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 100.550 Person mn from Dec 1953 (Median) to 2024, with 39 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 220.230 Person mn in 2024 and a record low of 25.098 Person mn in 1964. China Population: Age 65 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Socio-Demographic – Table CN.GA: Population.