China's old-age dependency ratio overtakes child ratio for first time 8:00

China's old-age dependency ratio (23.1%) overtook the child ratio (22%) for the first time in 2025.

Data published recently by the National Bureau of Statistics show China's old-age dependency ratio rose to about 23.1% in 2025, overtaking the child dependency ratio of about 22% for the first time. People aged 65 and over numbered about 223.65 million, nearly 16% of the population, against about 212.76 million aged 0–14. The Global Times said China has entered a "moderately ageing society", adding pressure on pensions, healthcare and long-term care. Reuters and the BBC reported on 28 October that scholars expect public spending to shift toward pensions and health, possibly constraining growth and consumption.