China’s elderly dependents surpass children

China’s old-age dependency ratio rose to 23.1% in 2025, surpassing the child dependency ratio of 22%, as the country’s population aged 65 and older grew to more than 223 million, compared with about 213 million children. The shift reflects decades of falling birth rates, urbanization, the legacy of the one-child policy and longer life expectancy; China’s population declined for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 as births hit a record low. Analysts say an ageing population could put pressure on pensions, health care and long-term care, while limiting workforce growth and shifting public spending away from families and schools. It may also create opportunities in businesses serving older consumers. The government has introduced subsidies, childcare support and lower childbirth-related medical costs, and has urged young people to marry and have children.