Beijing’s population expected to become super-aged by 2035

Beijing's population is projected to become super-aged by 2035, with approximately one-third of its residents aged 60 and above, according to the official Beijing Daily. Currently, 5.29 million permanent residents in the capital are 60 or older, representing nearly a quarter of the city's total population. The Chinese government has recognized this demographic shift as a critical issue and is implementing population planning strategies as part of its overall economic approach.

In 2023, policymakers face a potential cost of around 180 billion yuan (US$26.92 billion) to address the challenge of declining birth rates and encourage higher fertility rates. Beijing's government is also taking steps to support its aging population, such as increasing the basic pension benefits for elderly residents. China's overall population has been declining since 2022, and the country's aging trend is accelerating, posing significant challenges to policymakers.

Addressing the demographic shift becomes crucial as hundreds of millions of people are expected to leave the workforce at a time when pension budgets are already strained. Demographers and economists contend that the reduced number of children today could lead to fewer households and slower consumption growth over time, exacerbating economic concerns.