China country assessment report on ageing and health

Overview

Key facts

• China is ageing much faster than other low- and middle-income countries. The proportion of the population aged 60 years and over will increase from 12.4% in 2010 to 28% in 2040. Women outlive men, and populations in rural areas have higher proportions of older people.
• Social and economic transitions are changing traditional care arrangements for older people in China. In the future, for every younger couple there will be four or more older family members who require daily care and assistance.
• A health transition from communicable to noncommunicable disease is well under way in China. Chronic noncommunicable disease prevalence will increase by at least 40% by 2030. Almost 80% of all deaths in people aged 60 years or over are attributable to chronic noncommunicable disease.
• Timely and appropriate policy interventions based on the principles of equitable access and use of care services are imperative in order to address the care needs of older people in China and improve quality of life for both the care recipients and caregivers.