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.

According to the age distribution of China's population in 2024, approximately 68.6 percent of the population were in their working age between 15 and 64 years of age. Retirees aged 65 years and above made up about 15.6 percent of the total population. Age distribution in China As can be seen from this statistic, the age pyramid in China has been gradually shifting towards older demographics during the past decade. Mainly due to low birth rates in China, the age group of 0 to 14 year-olds has remained at around 16 to 17 percent since 2010, whereas the age groups 65 years and over have seen growth of nearly seven percentage points. Thus, the median age of the Chinese population has been constantly rising since 1970 and is forecast to reach 52 years by 2050. Accompanied by a slightly growing mortality rate of more than 7 per thousand, China is showing strong signs of an aging population. China's aging society The impact of this severe change in demographics is the subject of an ongoing scientific discussion. Rising standards of living in China contain the demand for better health care and pension insurance for retirees, which will be hard to meet with the social insurance system in China still being in its infancy. Per capita expenditure on medical care and services of urban households has grown more than ninefold since 2000 with a clear and distinctive upward trend for the near future. As for social security spending, public pension expenditure is forecast to take up approximately nine percent of China's GDP by 2050.

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.

As China becomes an aging society, the impacts of the aging population on the social meso domain, namely, the community level, have received increasing attention in recent years. However, relevant studies are limited. With the assumption that regular community participation positively influences well-being, this study investigated the mediating role of community participation between the sense of community and the general well-being of Chinese older adults and the moderating role of social support. A questionnaire survey was conducted with a valid sample size of 566 participants aged 60 and above in the urban communities of Chongqing, Chengdu, and Zunyi in southwest China. Moderated mediation models were constructed to explore factors related to the well-being of older adults, finding that encouraging community participation can improve the general well-being of older adults and build a better society in Chinese cities. The main findings of this study are as follows: (1) a sense of community significantly and positively relates to community participation and general well-being; (2) community participation partially mediates the relationship between sense of community and general well-being; and (3) each pathway through which sense of community influences older adults’ general well-being is moderated by social support.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes (%) in China was reported at 84.95 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

China's provincial, municipal, and county-level shares of the juvenile population, shares of the elderly population, types of juvenile-aging, transition paths of the types, and changes in the Sangitu in 2000, 2010, and 2020; and typical regional divisions based on the county level and their share of the types of juvenile-aging.1. The proportion of the lesser population, the proportion of the elderly population and their types: the level of aging is measured by the proportion of the elderly population in the total population, and when the proportion of the elderly population aged 65 and above in a country or region exceeds 7%, it is considered that the country or region has entered an aging society. With reference to relevant studies and the actual situation, the proportion of the elderly population aged 65 and above is set at less than 7% as unaged, at 7% to 14% as mildly aged, at 14% to 20% as moderately aged, and at more than 20% as severely aged. The level of underageing is measured by the proportion of children aged 0 to 14 years old, and when the proportion of children aged 0 to 14 years old in a country or region is less than 20%, it is considered to have entered an underage society. Referring to the study of Ding Jinhong et al, the proportion of the population of children less than 20% is set as oligonization, when 20% to 40% is set as polyonization, and 40% to 60% is set as hyperpolyonization. The quadrant diagram (X, Y) tool was introduced to determine the type of oligo-polyploidization. The horizontal axis (X) represents the proportion of elderly population and the vertical axis (Y) represents the proportion of oligo-population, and a two-dimensional matrix is constructed to obtain different combinations of types.2. Sanger diagram: Use the above three scales of types to calculate the size of the type shift flow from 2000 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2020 respectively, e.g., 30% of type 1 shifted to type 2, and 20% were retained as type 1, etc.3. Cluster analysis: using K-Means clustering method to cluster the type shift of oligo - aging at county scale from 2000 to 2010, 2010 to 2020, and 2000 to 2020.4. Pie Chart: A certain type of oligo - aging in a region / the total number of types in the region in that year * 1005. multinomial logistic regression:choose the difference between urbanization rate, population inflow rate, female illiteracy rate and birth rate in time period t (2000-2010, 2010-2020) as the independent variables. Apply multinomial

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.

The In-Home Care & Other Household Services industry in China has not developed very well in the past few years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many services provided by the industry cannot be implemented, resulting in a decrease in industry revenue. Industry revenue is expected to decrease at an annualized rate of 4.7% over the five years through 2024 to $7.1 billion. The continuous growth of China's population and the trend of aging have led to a great demand for industries in society, and currently the industry has not formed a good supply-demand relationship.Industry profit is expected to total 3.7% of revenue in 2024. Total wages are expected to decrease by an annualized 3.8% over the five years through 2024 to $3.2 billion. The technological barriers in the industry are low, resulting in a large workforce and low profits. The industry is typically labor-intensive, with wages accounting for 45.8% of industry revenue in 2024. There are large number of small-size companies and self-employed practitioners in the industry. Industry concentration is very low. The largest company in the industry represents only 0.3% of industry revenue in 2024. Most participants operate in local markets only, and just a small number of franchise chain companies are able to cover multiple regions.The industry is forecast to continue growing strongly in the next five years, benefiting from Chinese residents' upgrading consumption, the third-child policies implemented in 2022, and as China becomes an aging society. Industry revenue is expected to increase an annualized 1.5% over the five years through 2029 to total $7.6 billion. Market shares are expected to increase towards franchise chain companies, which are encouraged by the Government. The industry's concentration level will rise, but still stay low. Customers will likely prefer high-end services, due to their increasing purchasing power. Furthermore, O2O platforms are projected to become a major channel for both consumers and industry practitioners in the industry.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the China, Maine population pyramid, which represents the China town population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for China, Maine, is 26.6.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for China, Maine, is 21.7.
• Total dependency ratio for China, Maine is 48.3.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for China, Maine is 4.6.

Content

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

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the China town population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the China town for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the China town for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the China town for the selected age group 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

Population aging degree of Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in 2000, 2010 and 2020.

China Elderly Dependency Ratio data was reported at 21.800 % in 2022. This records an increase from the previous number of 20.800 % for 2021. China Elderly Dependency Ratio data is updated yearly, averaging 10.700 % from Dec 1982 (Median) to 2022, with 35 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 21.800 % in 2022 and a record low of 8.000 % in 1982. China Elderly Dependency Ratio 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: Sample Survey: Elderly Dependency Ratio: By Region.

Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, female (number) in China was reported at 18202354 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on June of 2025.

China Population: Aged 6 and Above: Male data was reported at 718.135 Person th in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 695.142 Person th for 2022. China Population: Aged 6 and Above: Male data is updated yearly, averaging 577.161 Person th from Dec 1996 (Median) to 2023, with 28 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 671,681.215 Person th in 2020 and a record low of 517.653 Person th in 2019. China Population: Aged 6 and Above: Male 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: Sample Survey: By Age and Sex.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the data for the China, TX population pyramid, which represents the China population distribution across age and gender, using estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. It lists the male and female population for each age group, along with the total population for those age groups. Higher numbers at the bottom of the table suggest population growth, whereas higher numbers at the top indicate declining birth rates. Furthermore, the dataset can be utilized to understand the youth dependency ratio, old-age dependency ratio, total dependency ratio, and potential support ratio.

Key observations

• Youth dependency ratio, which is the number of children aged 0-14 per 100 persons aged 15-64, for China, TX, is 25.5.
• Old-age dependency ratio, which is the number of persons aged 65 or over per 100 persons aged 15-64, for China, TX, is 39.1.
• Total dependency ratio for China, TX is 64.6.
• Potential support ratio, which is the number of youth (working age population) per elderly, for China, TX is 2.6.

Content

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

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group for the China population analysis. Total expected values are 18 and are define above in the age groups section.
• Population (Male): The male population in the China for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Population (Female): The female population in the China for the selected age group is shown in the following column.
• Total Population: The total population of the China for the selected age group 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

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female (%) in China was reported at 77.97 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, female - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.