In brief
China’s latest census data shows the ratio of dependents aged 65+ to the working‑age population edged past that of children, a first for the world’s second‑largest economy. With 223 million seniors and 213 million children, the shift signals mounting pressure on pensions, health care and long‑term care. The government plans to grow the “silver economy” while its shrinking workforce threatens economic expansion, experts warn. Beijing’s legacy of one‑child policy, rising living costs and changing gender roles are keeping birth rates low, deepening the demographic squeeze.
China’s latest census data shows that more families now support older adults than children, a first for the world’s second‑largest economy.
The National Bureau of Statistics reports that 23% of dependents are seniors, surpassing the 22% of children. That places 223 million people aged 65 and above against 213 million children under 14.
The trend raises alarms about pension sustainability, health‑care capacity and a future labour shortage. Beijing has announced a focus on the “silver economy” as part of its five‑year plan, but experts warn the demographic squeeze could curb growth and consumer spending.
The one‑child policy, in place from 1980 to 2015, is blamed for a shrinking youth cohort and a growing elderly population. Coupled with higher living costs and shifting gender roles, birth rates have fallen to historic lows.
Financial aid for seniors has increased, with over 53 million receiving allowances by the end of 2025. Yet the divide between work‑age and dependent populations points to rising public expenditure on pensions and health services.
Global Times reports the trend is symbolic of long‑term demographic change rather than a short‑term shock, and that older adults in the 1950s‑70s cohort generally enjoy higher incomes and better health.
Experts advise policymakers to balance support for older adults while stimulating births, noting that low fertility, floating populations and educational demands weigh heavily on family decisions.
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