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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.
A group of “left-behind aunties” in a village in China has gained popularity for their live-streaming performances; audiences are drawn to their charm and impressive dance skills. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Trending in China

China ‘left-behind aunties’, or senior girl group, get popular for charm, dancing

Lonely, disconnected elderly women find social links, confidence and an army of online fans with their joyous online routines.

Trending in China

China grandma falls for AI-generated ‘bossy president’, writes ‘him’ love letters

Trending in China

China woman lives in nursing home, pays US$30 rent by being companion to residents

China society

Opinion | Why China’s AI automation push is a risky social experiment

Without reforms to improve wages, housing access and childcare, automation could entrench a low-fertility crisis and destabilise the social contract.

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A robot helps with a task during a media tour to the Beijing Humanoid Robot Pilot Verification Platform, in Beijing on March 20. Photo: EPA
Trending in China

Chinese man, 82, travels 12 hours daily for 105 days to visit wife in ICU

Farmer wakes at 4.30am every day to prepare meals for beloved wife, holds her hand by side of bed and reminisces about their life together.

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Trending in China

China woman uses AI-made man to lecture on respecting science, rejecting superstition

Non-existent retired professor who ‘lectures’ on parent-child relationships gathers online support from 200,000 followers.

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Trending in China

China pet shop boss finds dumped cat with note, cash from elderly facing surgery

Story of kitten in a pet carrier containing clean food bowls left by owner no longer physically able to care for it moves millions online.

A Chinese pet shop owner discovered an abandoned cat left outside her store with a touching letter and cash from an elderly person facing surgery. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Douyin
Trending in China

Chinese man posts a big note on mum-in-law’s suitcase to help her on solo travels

Thoughtful son-in-law goes the extra mile to make sure illiterate woman in her 60s is safe; Good Samaritan student on same flight offers help.

Trending in China

How a 102-year-old ‘baby’ in China has been hospital-free for 50 years

‘Cheerful’ centenarian with sharp eyesight, nimble hands still mend shoes and socks; values family harmony above all else.

China consumption

Beijing urged to boost rural pensions as lawmakers fight for farmers’ fair share

Appeals highlight a long-standing lack of benefits for elderly citizens outside cities, and proposals include leveraging state assets and new taxes to bridge the vast disparity.

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An elderly Chinese farmer works a vegetable field in Anhui province. Photo: Getty Images
Trending in China

Chinese woman, 63, welcomes baby girl via IVF following loss of only child

The woman and her husband believe the baby will give them the strength to move forward.

A 63-year-old Chinese woman, who tragically lost her only son, has recently welcomed a baby girl after conceiving through IVF. Photo: Douyin
Two Sessions 2026

China to pursue commercial health insurance to ease strain, support innovation

Commercial health insurance enters China’s policy agenda as an ageing population and costs strain basic coverage.

Trending in China

China actress, 75, sparks debate playing teen, kissing much younger actor in TV drama

Gender equality activist questions if same criticism would arise if a male actor 30 years older than his female co-star took on similar role.

Trending in China

China ‘parenting parents’ trend sees youth teach adults skills like taking selfies

Young people seek to address their problematic upbringing by turning the tables and becoming ‘mum or dad’ to the people who brought them up.

A “parenting parents” trend has become popular among young Chinese people, who share experiences teaching their parents modern skills like taking selfies and applying skincare products. Photo: Shutterstock
Trending in China

‘Kind-hearted’ China grandma pays with hell money at food stalls, vendors agree

70-something grandmother ‘buys’ roasted chicken skewers, cakes, steamed stuffed buns using items she finds on road.

A 70-year-old Chinese woman has used so-called hell money for purchases in her neighbourhood for years and stall owners accept it without complaint. Photo: SCMP composite/Douyin
Trending in China

China seniors pursue overseas education after retirement to realise dreams

Increasing demand from retirees leaves country facing challenge of finding ‘deeper’ learning strategies, not just ‘hobby’ courses.

China's population

China and South Korea team up on a vexing issue: their fast-ageing populations

After years of tense relations, the two nations are finding common ground over their need to adapt to an era of ‘super-aged societies’.

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China's population

Glimmer of hope? Why China’s marriage uptick could spark 2026 birth rebound

Double-digit jump in registration rate, boosted by policy and cultural tradition, offers modest upturn, but demographers are wary of weak fertility intentions.

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A couple participates in a group wedding in August, in China’s Guangdong province. Photo: Getty Images
Ageing society

Opinion | Hong Kong should see the ‘silver economy’ as a golden opportunity

The city could reframe its ageing trend by working to become a global capital for ‘longevity finance’ and supporting East-West healthcare innovations.

China society

Opinion | A loneliness crisis is the price China is paying for rapid modernisation

As migrant workers head home for the Lunar New Year break, it is a good time to reflect on how the loneliness that has gripped Chinese society can be alleviated.

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Trending in China

Why young China viewers are being drawn to dating shows with older contestants

South Korean-influenced reality shows rise in popularity, in part driven by mature women who are brutally honest about the men taking part.

Young viewers in China are increasingly drawn to dating reality shows which feature older contestants. Since 2018, China has embraced the genre, influenced by South Korean formats. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/Weibo
Hong Kong population

Opinion | Boost birth rates? Governments should focus on the population they have

Instead of growing the population at all costs, governments should be practically addressing longer life expectancies.

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People shop with their pets in New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, on September 21, 2025. Photo: Sam Tsang
Trending in China

Silver surfers: how China ‘granfluencers’ steal spotlight, taking over social media

Some firms managing granfluencers exploit young people’s compassion by scheduling late-night live-streams for seniors to encourage tipping.

China economy

Opinion | China’s real constraint is where to direct limited fiscal resources

With Beijing focusing on spending priorities, Asian investors and businesses must watch which provinces, sectors and state firms are favoured.

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Mainland China

Silver bullet: New Oriental strategy pivots to China’s silver economy

China’s leading private education firm tests new growth paths, amid demographic shifts and softer demand for US-bound study.

New Oriental has been steadily expanding its senior-focused offerings. Photo: Shutterstock
China's population

‘Loneliness economy’: how China is adapting to a rapid rise in solo living

The viral success of check-in app Are You Dead? has exposed the vast demand for services catering to China’s rapidly growing single population.

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A user checks in using the viral app Are You Dead?, also known as Demumu in English, which surged to the top of the paid app chart on Apple’s AppStore in China last week. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong must tackle the challenges of a super-aged society head on

With both Hong Kong and mainland China unlikely to be able to reverse the decline in birth rates, investing effectively in human capital is crucial.

Trending in China

China granny smashes TV set over drama characters’ misdeeds

Family installs acrylic shield to protect TV screen, avoiding a projector, fearing she might hit the wall and injure herself.

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