
Old China hands: ageing in the Middle Kingdom
Economist Podcasts
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China's Aging Population Crisis
This chapter explores the rapid aging of China's population and the emotional impact of this demographic shift, illustrated by a skit from a Chinese New Year's gala. It discusses the financial and societal implications of an aging populace, including sustainability issues with the pension system and the strain on younger generations who struggle to support their elder family members due to changing norms. Additionally, the chapter emphasizes the need for reforms in social policies to improve labor force participation and tackle the challenges of low fertility rates.
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