As China’s population ages, can it unlock a second demographic dividend?

Employers in China asked to create jobs suitable for older workers, with close to 300 million people aged over 60

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An nurse helps an elderly walk at an elderly care service center in the Yuhu district of Xiangtan city in central China’s Hunan province. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 6:30pm, 10 Dec 2024

China is stepping up efforts to address its ageing population by promoting employment opportunities for the elderly and boosting the so-called silver economy.

Diversified and personalised employment opportunities, as well as support for the senior care industry, would be created, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, along with three other government departments, said on Tuesday.

In 2023, the number of people aged 60 and above in China reached 297 million, accounting for more than 21 per cent of the total population, according to official data. The population aged 65 and over exceeded 217 million, making up 15.4 per cent of the total.

However, only 8.8 per cent of China’s workforce is aged 60 and above, much lower than other ageing societies like Japan.

Japan is faced with the most severe ageing population, where 71 per cent of people aged between 60 and 64, and nearly 50 per cent of those aged between 65 and 69, remain employed.

The notice also called on employers to create jobs that are suitable for older workers, focusing on roles that utilise experience, technical skills and patience, while minimising physical demands.