Beijing’s Elderly Population to Hit 33% by 2035

China’s capital Beijing is projected to become a heavily ageing city by 2035, with approximately one in three residents expected to be aged 60 or older. The demographic shift highlights growing challenges for China as its population continues to decline, placing increasing pressure on pension systems, healthcare services and economic growth.

Beijing’s Elderly Population to Reach One-Third by 2035

Official demographic projections indicate that nearly 33% of Beijing’s population could be aged 60 or above by 2035, marking a significant transformation in the capital’s population structure.

At the end of 2025, Beijing had approximately 5.29 million permanent residents aged 60 and above, representing nearly one-quarter of its population.

The city’s government is expanding support for elderly residents, including increases in basic pension payments and improvements to social welfare provisions.

China’s Ageing Population Raises Economic Concerns

China’s population has been declining since 2022, reflecting falling birth rates and a rapidly ageing society.

The demographic transition presents challenges for the country’s labour market, with hundreds of millions of workers expected to reach retirement age in the coming years.

A shrinking workforce could increase pressure on pension funds and healthcare systems while affecting domestic consumption.

Economists have also warned that fewer births could eventually result in fewer households, reducing demand for housing, consumer goods and other services.

China Plans Billions in Birth Rate Support

Chinese authorities have made population planning an important component of their broader economic strategy, introducing measures intended to encourage childbirth and support families.

The estimated potential cost of government initiatives aimed at boosting births in 2026 is approximately 180 billion yuan, equivalent to $26.92 billion.

These measures come as policymakers seek to balance support for younger families with rising expenditure on elderly care.

Beijing’s projected demographic transformation illustrates the wider population challenges facing China as it attempts to sustain economic growth while adapting to an increasingly older society.