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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.
Guests dance at the Shiguang Dance Hall in Shanghai. The city’s dance halls offer retirees vibrant social spaces to exercise and connect. Photo: AFP
Chinese culture

For Shanghai’s elderly, dancing ‘makes us feel we still have value’

Shanghai’s elderly are flocking to the city’s dance halls for exercise, socialising and entertainment, with some venues open as early as 6am.

Video | China’s elderly search for love

China's population

China eyes childcare overhaul with a law to boost births, fix demographic crisis

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Trending in China

Bikini-clad Taiwan ‘bodybuilding grandma’, 72, flaunts toned muscles at competition

Lin’s anti-ageing regimen is simple; she commits first hour of each morning to weight training, focuses on whole foods.

A 72-year-old Taiwan woman, known as the “Bodybuilding Grandma,” recently went viral after confidently showing her toned muscles in a bikini at a bodybuilding competition. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@suicilin/commonhealth.com.tw
Trending in China

China painter, 87, welcomes son with wife, 37, amid US$280 million theft rumour

Fan has entrusted wife with responsibility of managing all family matters, asserting that others should not interfere in their affairs.

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China's population

China’s fertility push: IVF grants grow, but high costs still deter couples

Local governments are subsidising a portion of expensive treatments, but experts warn that cash handouts will not fix the economic pressure of raising a family.

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Trending in China

China centenarian food vlogger enjoys diverse cuisines, shares longevity secrets

Elderly grandmother who endured war and poverty early in life says today’s China is ‘hundreds’ of times happier; enjoys TV dramas, news.

A 100-year-old grandmother in China has gained fame as an “eating vblogger”, captivating internet users with her passion for all kinds of cuisine. Photo: Douyin
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

Growth of ‘around 5 per cent’ may be revised to between 4.5 and 5 per cent, analysts say, as leadership gears up for tone-setting conference.

China's population

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

Improved healthcare outcomes are colliding with China’s three-year population decline, testing social safety nets despite improvements in medical infrastructure.

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The share of China’s citizens aged 65 and above rose to 15.6 per cent in 2024, up from 13.5 per cent in 2020. Photo: Getty Images
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.

China’s 15th five-year plan
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.

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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.

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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A staff member attends to a customer at a home appliance centre in Beijing on October 19. Diverting government resources to social spending would improve the confidence of Chinese people to spend more of their hard-earned income. Photo: Reuters
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.

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