Over 20% of households over the age of 65 have an old age challenge

On May 14, the National Health and Family Planning Commission released the first "China Family Development Report," highlighting significant changes in family structures and challenges faced by the aging population. The report states that there are approximately 430 million households in China, with over 88 million of them being households where at least one member is 65 years or older—accounting for more than 20% of all households. This demographic shift poses serious challenges for family-based pension systems.

The "head" of the household is shrinking

From 5.3 in the 1950s to 3.02 in 2012

The report emphasizes that the average size of Chinese households has been decreasing significantly over time. According to national census data, the average household size dropped from 5.3 in the 1950s to 4.0 in 1990, then to 3.1 in 2010 and finally to 3.02 in 2012. The composition of households has also changed: the number of small households (1-2 people) has increased dramatically, while the number of medium-sized households (3-4 people) has declined. Similarly, large households (7 or more people) have continued to shrink. In 2010, three-person households were the most common in urban, town, and rural areas, followed closely by two-person households.

Family structures are becoming more diverse

The proportion of nuclear families—those consisting of a couple and their unmarried children—has decreased, while the number of elderly living alone has increased. Single-parent families, dual-income no kids (DINK) families, and multi-generational households have grown rapidly. Additionally, the migration of the floating population has led to an increase in "left-behind" families, where one or both parents are away for work.

The report suggests that modern family relationships have evolved significantly. Traditional family dynamics have transitioned toward more democratic and equal structures. Key changes include the shift from blood-based kinship to marriage-centered relationships, from patriarchal authority to gender equality, from male-dominated decision-making to shared family governance, and from collective family values to individual autonomy. Family life now emphasizes personal happiness rather than just inheritance and duty.

The focus of family functions is shifting

While emotional support, care, safety, and entertainment have become more central, the economic role of the family has diminished. Families are increasingly relying on external resources to meet the needs of their members, especially as the population ages and traditional family support systems weaken.

The "age" of the family is increasing

Over 20% of households have members aged 65 or older

The report highlights a growing number of immediate families—composed of a married child, their spouse, and children—which rose from 74 million in 2000 to 92.4 million in 2010, making up 23% of all households. The period during which parents are left without their children—known as the "empty nest" phase—is occurring earlier and lasting longer.

Currently, more than 88 million households in China have at least one person over 65, accounting for over 20% of total households. With the rapid pace of aging, the number of elderly households has surged. Between 2000 and 2010, the number of households with members aged 65 or older increased by 28.7%. As family sizes shrink, the pressure on family pensions grows, making it difficult for the elderly to receive timely emotional support. Elderly individuals living alone or in single-person households face even greater challenges in this regard.

The rapid aging of the population presents major challenges for family-based pension systems. Families are increasingly dependent on external support, yet the current family development policies remain incomplete. There is still no comprehensive long-term family policy or institutional framework in place to address these evolving needs.

The "strength" of the family remains strong

Maternal and infant mortality rates have dropped sharply

Over the past 40 years since the implementation of the family planning policy, the number of family planning families has grown rapidly, reaching 300 million households today—70% of all families in China. These families have become the dominant family structure in the country.

In terms of family development, the family planning policy has played a crucial role. First, it has reduced the burden of raising children by delaying the age of first marriage, postponing childbirth, and reducing the number of births. Second, it has improved the health and well-being of women and children, with significant declines in maternal and infant mortality rates. Third, it has allowed parents to invest more time and resources in their children's education, promoting healthier child development.

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