Beijing set to become super-aged city by 2035

Beijing is expected to become a “super-aged” city by 2035, with around one-third of its population projected to be aged 60 or older, highlighting China’s growing demographic challenges.

According to a report published by the official Beijing Daily, the Chinese capital had 5.29 million permanent residents aged 60 and above at the end of 2025. This group accounted for nearly one-quarter of the city’s total population.

Authorities are expanding support for older residents as the population continues to age. Measures include increasing basic pension payments to help address the needs of senior citizens.

China has been facing a declining population since 2022, alongside a rapid rise in the proportion of elderly people. The trend is creating challenges for policymakers seeking to strengthen domestic consumption, maintain economic growth and manage rising public debt.

The country’s ageing population is also expected to put increasing pressure on pension systems as hundreds of millions of people leave the workforce over time. A shrinking working-age population could make it more difficult to fund retirement benefits and meet the growing demand for elderly care.

Demographers and economists have also warned that falling birth rates could have long-term economic consequences. Fewer children today may eventually lead to fewer households and slower growth in consumer spending.

China has made population policy a key part of its economic planning as it seeks to encourage births and address the long-term effects of demographic change.

The projected shift in Beijing reflects a broader challenge facing China, where policymakers must balance the needs of an ageing population with efforts to sustain economic activity and support future generations.