Age of opportunity awaits in mainland China

While many would expect China's ageing population to have a negative impact on its economy, some analysts think differently.

Charles Somers, a portfolio manager of demographics at Schroders, said the demographic change also offered opportunities. He told the South China Morning Post in an interview in Schroders' London office that China was in fact facing two demographic changes: an ageing population and an increasing number of people moving from villages to live and work in cities.

"China has reached a stage where it has fewer young people joining industry than those who are retiring," Somers said.

By 2050, he said, the number of people in China over 65 years old would be triple today's figure. This would benefit firms making machines that could substitute for human labour, Somers said.

Cosmetics or skin care companies such as Estée Lauder would also flourish on the mainland as people looked for ways to make themselves appear younger.

Firms that produced baby formula might consider making dairy-based products for elderly people as well, he said.

Retired people also have more time to travel, which will benefit the travel industry and firms that make aircraft engines, such as French firm Safran.