Journal Article

Family dynamics of 63 million (in 1990) to more than 330 million (in 2050) elders in China

Zeng, Y., George, L.
Demographic Research, 2:5 (2000)

Abstract

This paper confirms very rapid increase in proportion of elderly, huge numbers of elders, an extraordinarily rapid increase of oldest old, and more serious aging problems in rural than urban areas in China. Comparative data analysis on family dynamics of elderly, males vs. females, younger elders vs. oldest old, rural vs. urban, and 1982 vs. 1990 are presented. Family household projection reveals that the family and living arrangements of the Chinese elderly would change dramatically during the first half of 21 th century. Drawing upon our empirical findings, we presented policy recommendations on strengthening family support system, establishing an old age insurance program in rural areas, favourable policy for elderly women in consideration of their disadvantaged status, and smoothly transiting to a two-child plus spacing policy. (MAX PLANCK SOCIETY)
The Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research (MPIDR) in Rostock is one of the leading demographic research centers in the world. It's part of the Max Planck Society, the internationally renowned German research society.