Analysis: Rise in Empty Nesters Complicates China’s Elderly Care Efforts

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A greater share of China’s senior citizens were living without children in the house in 2021 compared with roughly a decade earlier, a recent national survey showed.

This growing proportion of empty nesters complicates China’s efforts to look after its rapidly growing elderly population as seniors have traditionally relied on their children and other relatives for care through their golden years.

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In 2021, 60% of China's elderly lived alone or with just a spouse, up from 49% in 2010.
The elderly population was nearly 297 million by 2023, expected to rise to 400 million by mid-next decade.
Financial barriers exist for care facilities; urban seniors earned more than rural, yet many can't afford necessary services.

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