World · East Asia & Pacific · 4 hrs ago
China's elderly dependency rate overtakes its child rate
China's elderly dependency rate rose to 23% last year, overtaking the child rate of 22%, according to government data.
The figures compare the number of dependent older people and children with the working-age population.
More than 223 million people in China are 65 or older, while about 213 million are aged 14 or under.
The shift reflects an ageing population and fewer young people, shaped in part by longer life expectancy and the effects of the one-child policy, which ended in 2015.
The change could put more pressure on pensions and healthcare and leave fewer workers to support economic growth.
China has eased limits on family size and urged couples to have more children, but birth rates have reached historic lows.
Beijing has included more support for older people in its economic plans, while the growing number of older consumers may also create opportunities for businesses.
China's elderly dependency rate rose to 23% last year, overtaking the child dependency rate of 22%, according to official data.
The figures mark the first time families in China are supporting more elderly people than children, the government said.
China had more than 223 million people aged 65 and above and about 213 million children aged 14 and under.
The ageing population could put added pressure on pensions, healthcare and long-term care, while also creating opportunities in businesses serving older consumers.
Experts cited shrinking birth rates, longer life expectancy and the effects of the one-child policy among factors behind the demographic shift.
- Who
- China's working-age population is supporting a growing number of older people and children.
- What
- The elderly dependency rate overtook the child dependency rate, reaching 23% compared with 22%.
- When
- The rates were measured last year; the official data were released in the last week before the BBC report published on 27 October 2026.
- Where
- China.
- Why
- Factors cited include longer life expectancy, rapid urbanisation, the one-child policy, rising living costs and changing gender roles.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s one-child policy was in place.
Beijing announced further support for older people as part of its five-year economic blueprint.
More than 53 million elderly people were receiving senior citizen allowances and subsidies, according to official figures.
China’s elderly dependency rate reached 23%, above the child rate of 22%.
Official data showing the dependency rates were released.
- Elderly dependency rate
- 23% last year
- Child dependency rate
- 22% last year
- People aged 65 and above
- More than 223 million
- Children aged 14 and under
- About 213 million
- Senior citizen allowances and subsidies
- More than 53 million recipients by the end of 2025
- One-child policy
- In place from 1980 to the end of 2015
What people are saying
It reflects a historical trend in demographic development rather than a short-term phenomenon.
symbolic
taking agency away