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China's ageing population

China's ageing population
The latest news, analysis and opinion on China's ageing population. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Elderly people relax at a park in Fuyang in China’s Anhui province on October 9. Photo: CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images
China society

Editorial | Silver lining in China’s ageing population shouldn’t be overlooked

Increase in life expectancy affirms Beijing’s commitment to boosting healthcare standards and presents economic opportunities.

China GDP

China’s economic focus in 2026: what to expect as leaders prep for major meeting

China's population

Living to 79: China’s record longevity puts economic wrinkles in focus

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Trending in China

Elderly China woman seeks ‘daughter’ to care for her, offers flat, monthly salary

Online reactions have varied, with some expressing interest, while others questioning the feasibility and motivations behind Ma’s search.

A 75-year-old woman seeks a “daughter” to care for her, offering a flat and other possessions along with a monthly salary. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
China jobs

Youth unfulfilled: job opportunities in China’s senior-care sector go untapped

Amid booming opportunities in the care economy as China’s population gets older, new graduates express concerns over low wages and unfamiliarity with the field.

Open Questions series

Open Questions | Nicholas Lardy on China’s unique economic advantage

Economist at US think tanks on bright prospects for China, the challenges it faces and why more market discipline is needed.

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China's population

Editorial | As China ages, nurturing the silver economy could help drive growth

Beyond technological competitiveness, it is important for China to build an elderly care system that supports an increasingly ageing populace.

An elderly man shops at a shoe store in Beijing, China, on May 19. Photo: EPA-EFE
China’s fourth plenum

China’s 15th five-year plan

The approved outline for China’s 15th five-year plan highlights efforts to spur domestic consumption, boost technological self-sufficiency and further raise the nation’s industrial competitiveness. The plan will come into effect in 2026.

Trending in China

Elderly China woman tearfully hugs pet duck killed by car, mourns loss of companion

Many recognise that the duck had become the woman’s emotional anchor and spiritual support.

China's population

China’s population outlook gets even worse

The new five-year plan assumes a 0.2 per cent annual population decline as the government struggles to revive birth rates and prevent the increasing ageing of the country.

Photo: AFP
China's population

As more of China becomes ‘moderately aged’, how will its economy change?

Much of China has passed a key demographic threshold as the population ages, making adaptations necessary for policymakers and businesses.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
China's population

State matchmaking and a PR blitz – is this the way to boost China’s birth rate?

The dramatic approach adopted by one city is attracting nationwide attention, but critics warn more fundamental policy changes are needed.

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China's population

Chinese couples crowd the aisle as new policies lead to marriage bounce

Incentives for Chinese couples to wed appear to be bearing fruit, a piece of positive news as the country’s population shrinks and ages.

Trending in China

‘Battlefield training’: ex soldier, 90, travels across China in van with wife, 86

Wang says their goal is to appreciate the stunning landscapes of their country, broaden their horizons.

For the past two decades, a 90-year-old ex soldier has been travelling across China in his van, accompanied by his 86-year-old wife. Photo: Shutterstock/Jimu
China jobs

How China’s retired teachers are helping bridge the urban-rural education divide

A government programme sends highly-experienced urban teachers to less developed regions – but is it enough to close the gap?

China’s Silver Age Teaching Programme employs retired teachers to work in less-developed regions. Photo: Visual China Group via Getty Images
China jobs

China’s civil service exam sees record-breaking applicant pool after age range expansion

Tough job market, wider age thresholds create China's largest candidate cohort for public sector positions, treasured for their stability.

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China economy

Opinion | Time for China to set an explicit household consumption target

As Beijing’s five-year plan shapes up to follow a familiar agenda, policymakers need to focus on invigorating the consumer’s role as a more powerful driver of growth.

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China jobs

Who’s hiring in China? Pet care and advanced manufacturing stand out

Advanced manufacturing and ‘modern services’ led the way in job creation in third quarter, report says.

People prepare a dog for a competition at Pet Fair Asia 2025 in Shanghai in August. Photo: EPA
China economy

Opinion | Why China should stop worrying and embrace ‘Japanification’

If China trades a point of GDP for fuller wallets and better services, ‘Japanification’ becomes a playbook instead of a prophecy of doom.

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China jobs

China bids to break job market ‘curse of 35’ as it raises civil service age cap

The government will now accept candidates aged up to 43 for some positions, a change that comes amid rampant job market age discrimination.

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China's population

Research reveals mismatch between China’s fertility incentives, local birth rates

Despite low ranking in study’s fertility-friendliness index, Guangdong province had one of the country’s highest birth rates last year.

A newborn baby is cared for in a Chinese hospital’s neonatal care centre. Photo: SOPA Images
Trending in China

Chinese nursing home under fire for using ‘suggestive dancer’ in medicine drive

Staff member justifies controversial clips by saying they are meant to challenge stereotype that nursing homes in China are dull, lifeless.

A Chinese nursing home faced backlash after posting a video of a female staff member dancing provocatively to encourage elderly residents to take their medication. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
China manufacturing

As China’s population falls, 300,000-strong robot army keeps factories humming

The country leads the world in newly installed industrial robots, far ahead of Japan and the US.

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Trending in China

China burly ‘outsourced children’ are friends, protectors of nursing home clients

Martial arts trained muscle men with a heart build ‘bonds’ with China’s growing army of elderly ‘empty nesters’.

Trending in China

Chinese grandma goes viral for skateboarding, inspiring many with vibrant living

Their mother-daughter skateboarding sessions are turning into a heartwarming spectacle in the community.

A 68-year-old Chinese grandma, dubbed a “Wind-Chasing Girl,” has gone viral for skateboarding with her daughter. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Trending in China

China woman shocked as elderly man she helps cross busy road slaps her in the face

Force of blow sends woman’s glasses flying, police track down elderly assailant, instruct him to apologise.

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A woman in China who helped an elderly man carry his bags was shocked when he then slapped her in the face. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
China's population

Opinion | Gloomy population projections for China? Add a pinch of salt

The UN’s drastic forecast shouldn’t be taken at face value. Still, China should rethink its urbanisation strategy and learn from the US.

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China's population

China tackles 2 problems at once with birth subsidy for women in science

Shanghai programme providing grants to scientists who have given birth intended to ease the twin burdens of motherhood and high-level research.

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