China’s $7.4 billion ‘loneliness industry’: Why elderly people are hiring ‘temporary children’

China's "loneliness industry" is a burgeoning market worth around $7.4 billion, according to a 2025 estimate by securities firm Sinolink, though data on its full scale is still scarce. This burgeoning sector caters to the needs of elderly people who hire service providers for meals, household chores, and emotional support. Among the services offered are regular visits from "community children," who act as companions and helpers, often taking on roles akin to family members.

Wang Yingwei, a resident of Beijing, operates an electric scooter delivery team that also serves as a "community children" service. These workers are tasked with delivering meals, fixing household issues, and managing daily tasks for elderly clients. Wang's team describes their role as one of putting themselves in the shoes of older people, carefully considering their needs and providing practical assistance.

A 91-year-old woman named Yang, who lives on the outskirts of Beijing, is one such client. After losing her husband, Yang experienced severe loneliness and even contemplated voluntary euthanasia due to her declining health and inability to perform basic tasks. However, her situation improved after Wang and his team began visiting her twice daily with hot meals and assistance with other daily activities.

Wang and his team describe their relationship with the elderly as one of familial closeness, stating they treat their clients like their own parents.

This "loneliness industry" extends beyond those living alone. Some clients are young professionals who have moved to urban areas and lack social connections, feeling uncomfortable asking colleagues for help with hospital visits or medication pickups. One such individual is Liu Yanyan, a 23-year-old medical escort in Beijing. She escorts clients to hospitals, collects test results, and retrieves medication, catering to those who lack friends or feel uncomfortable involving colleagues in their personal matters.

Experts suggest that paid companionship can offer a more predictable relationship than traditional friendships, which can be unpredictable and risky. Associate Professor Teresa Kuan of the Chinese University of Hong Kong explains that service relationships are more stable, providing clients with a clearer expectation of what to expect. For elderly people like Yang, paid companionship offers both practical assistance and emotional comfort, addressing the challenges of social isolation and declining health.