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 Statista Global Consumer Survey conducted in China in 2022, half of the older respondents stated they were interested in clothing when shopping. Comparatively, more than a third of the surveyed senior consumers were interested in consumer electronics.

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 October of 2025.

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.

Health care for the elderly is one of the key issues in the field of public health. In the context of global aging, the government's policy framework for elderly care affects the development of local elderly care. The priorities and instruments of the elderly care policy are important windows for understanding the local development planning system. This paper uses a quantitative text analysis method based on text mining to analyze 3,618 provincial policies in China. Considering the pilot demonstration projects for elderly care selected by the Chinese government in recent years, this paper finds that local elderly care policies have a three-phase evolution, and the priorities in each phase are solving the legacy of transition, expanding private sector participation, and realizing the well-being of the elderly. Moreover, mature regions use more environmental policy instruments, and the most effective are financial services, regulatory systems, and strategic guidance. For immature regions, it is necessary to use more core instruments on the premise of using basic instruments so that public policies can serve local development and realize the well-being of the elderly.

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 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 graph shows the working-age adults to elderly ratio in China from 2000 to 2020 with forecasts until 2100. In 2030, about 2.3 adults are estimated to support one elderly person in China.

The dataset contains a total of 368 scans with 205 healthy elderly volunteers from China. 163 of them were scanned for twice. All volunteers were recruited through methods such as WeChat moments, poster advertising, and word of mouth. Data collection was conducted at the 3T scanner (GE MR 750) of the Magnetic Resonance Research Center at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The multimodal imaging protocol included a set of high-resolution T1-weighted structural images, T2-weighted structural images, resting-state functional images, and task-state functional MRI sequences. Behavioral data included tests such as word list recall, attention cancellation, number-symbol, and Wechsler Block Design. The dataset is divided into three parts: The first part includes 42 elderly volunteers, with 19 females and 23 males; age range 55 to 78 years, average age = 65.07 ± 6.43 years. The second part is a gamified working memory training data set, including 63 participants, among which 57 had a posttest. 43 females and 20 males with age range 60 to 90 years were included in the second part. The third part is a gamified cognitive control training data set, including 100 participants, among which 93 had a posttest. 82 females and 18 males with age range 60 to 90 years were included in the third part.

Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, % female in China was reported at 77.6 % 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 September of 2025.

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 global market for formula milk powder designed for middle-aged and elderly individuals is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing life expectancy, rising disposable incomes in developing economies, and a growing awareness of the nutritional benefits of specialized dietary supplements. This market segment is projected to maintain a healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of, let's assume, 7% between 2025 and 2033. While precise market size figures are unavailable, a reasonable estimation based on comparable mature markets and considering the aforementioned drivers suggests a market size of approximately $8 billion in 2025. This is based on general market analysis in the senior health and nutrition sectors and should not be considered precise. Key players like Jatcorp Ltd, Yeeper Diary, Yili, Nestlé, China Feihe, and Sanyuan Group are actively competing in this space, focusing on product innovation to cater to the diverse nutritional needs of this demographic. This includes the development of formulas enriched with specific vitamins, minerals, and proteins tailored for bone health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. The market's growth trajectory is anticipated to be influenced by several factors. Continued advancements in nutritional science leading to the creation of more effective and targeted formulas will significantly contribute to market expansion. Furthermore, evolving consumer preferences towards convenience and readily-available nutritional solutions, coupled with increasing healthcare expenditure, will fuel demand. However, potential challenges such as fluctuating raw material prices and stringent regulatory hurdles related to food safety and labeling could slightly moderate growth in the coming years. The regional distribution of this market is expected to be significantly influenced by demographic factors, with regions experiencing rapid aging populations witnessing more substantial growth. Marketing strategies focusing on the health benefits of this product category for this target demographic will be key in driving further adoption.

In China Elderly Care Market, It is expanding rapidly due to the rising aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and growing demand for long-term care solutions.

Modernization in China is accompanied by some specific features: aging, individualization, the emergence of the nuclear family, and changing filial piety. While young Chinese people are still the main caregivers for older adults, understanding the attitudes of young Chinese people toward aging and living independently in the context of modernization is important because it relates to future elderly care problems in China. By using in-depth interviews and qualitative methods, 45 participants were enrolled in the study, 38 (84.44%) were women and 37 (82.22%) had no siblings. The ages ranged from 17 to 25 years (mean age = 19.28, SD = 1.74). Results revealed that participants held diverse attitudes about older adults, but the general attitudes were that older adults are lonely, financially disadvantaged, have poor social support, lack hobbies, and care about their children more than themselves. Chinese college students were affected both by traditional filial piety and individualism; however, of the two, they seemed put greater value on independence. Moreover, traditional filial piety is changing in a modern direction, affected by Western ideas of individualism: the status of the senior is diminishing, and living with one’s parents is no longer regarded as a necessary component. Implications concerning age stereotypes, elderly care policies, and strategies are discussed.

Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Shanghai data was reported at 23.990 % in 2021. This records an increase from the previous number of 22.020 % for 2020. Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Shanghai data is updated yearly, averaging 17.850 % from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2021, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 23.990 % in 2021 and a record low of 9.400 % in 2011. Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Shanghai 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.

The dataset includes comprehensive research data for my thesis project on elderly vaccination in China. It primarily consists of the following components:Study 1: Data from the State Council Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism press conferences, which includes texts and links from press releases dated from October 20, 2020, to February 27, 2023. This data is crucial for understanding the governmental communication strategies regarding vaccination initiatives.Study 2: Original recordings and transcripts from surveys and interviews conducted in Shenzhen, focusing on elderly vaccination. This includes both the survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews.Study 3: Original recordings and transcripts from interviews conducted with elderly individuals in Hong Kong about their vaccination experiences.

Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, both sexes (number) in China was reported at 23457964 Persons in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Elderly illiterate population, 65+ years, both sexes - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, male (%) in China was reported at 92.83 % in 2018, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. China - Elderly literacy rate, population 65+ years, male - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on September of 2025.

Assessment of disability among the elderly in Xiamen of China a representative sample survey sample of 14,292 older adults

Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Yunnan data was reported at 17.140 % in 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 16.770 % for 2022. Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Yunnan data is updated yearly, averaging 11.450 % from Dec 2002 (Median) to 2023, with 22 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 17.140 % in 2023 and a record low of 10.300 % in 2003. Elderly Dependency Ratio(Sample Survey): Yunnan 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.