Parallel to its economic development, China is facing the challenge of a rapidly aging population. This is happening at a time when urbanization and industrialization is quickly increasing in the country. It is a trend that has weakened traditional family support networks, particularly for the elderly. New policies are necessary to face this situation.
In 1979, China adopted a one-child policy to limit population growth and ensure economic stability. As a result, with fewer children and better living standards, the proportion of elderly in the population has grown substantially and will continue to do so in coming years.
According to one study, within 20 years China will have 350 million citizens over the age of 60, which is more than the current U.S. population.
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