[October 22, 2024] A recent survey on the elderly population in China revealed that nearly 60% are "empty nesters," with 46.1% of seniors only able to afford nursing homes costing less than 1,000 RMB per month. The current fees for elder care institutions in China are generally higher than what seniors can afford.

On October 17, several agencies, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Working Committee on Aging, the National Health Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the China National Committee on Aging, and the China Family Planning Association, released the "Fifth Basic Data Bulletin on the Living Conditions of Urban and Rural Elderly in China."

The bulletin shows that in 2021, 56.2% of elderly people in China were in the low-age group (60–69 years old), 30.4% in the middle-age group (70–79 years old), and 13.4% were 80 years old or above.

The average number of children per elderly person was 2.6, down by 0.6 from 2010, reflecting a significant decline in the average number of children in elderly households as the first generation of parents with only one child enters old age.

The survey showed that 88.4% of elderly people were able to live independently in 2021, 7.1% had some difficulty with self-care, and 4.5% were unable to care for themselves. Among those surveyed, 13.2% reported needing assistance with daily activities, of which 83% received care, indicating that 17% of seniors' care needs were unmet.

The survey also showed that, among elderly people willing to enter a nursing home in 2021, 46.1% could afford no more than 1,000 RMB per month, 22.6% could afford 1,000–1,999 RMB, 15.6% could afford 2,000–2,999 RMB, and 15.8% could afford 3,000 RMB or more.

According to a 2023 survey conducted by the Beijing Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference on elder care services, the average monthly fee for nursing homes in Beijing was about 5,500 RMB, with fees for seniors with severe disabilities or dementia generally exceeding 7,000 RMB. These costs are typically higher than what most seniors can afford.

The survey also found that by 2021, nearly 60% of China's elderly were living as "empty nesters," an increase of 10.4 percentage points compared to 2010.

"Empty nesters" generally refer to middle-aged or elderly individuals living alone after their children have left home for work, study, or marriage. As the population ages, the number of empty nesters is growing, becoming a significant social issue.

The survey included data on basic demographics, family situation, health status, care services, financial conditions, living environment, social participation, awareness of rights, and cultural and spiritual life. Data collection was done through electronic questionnaires, with investigators visiting households. The survey was conducted at the standard point of August 1, 2021, at midnight.

Editor: Liu Yi