China's aging population: A review of living arrangement, intergenerational support, and wellbeing

Abstract

China's rapid population aging and remarkable family-level changes have raised concerns about the weakening of its family-based elderly care. The last decade indeed has seen a clear departure from multigenerational living to alternative living arrangements such as living with spouse only and solo living. However, ample evidence suggests that Chinese families have demonstrated considerable resilience amidst profound sociodemographic changes. This review article highlights the importance of government–society cooperation in meeting the social challenges of population aging. A key factor is the persistient filial piety norms, which enable children living far or close, migrant or nonmigrant, to rearrange financial, instrumental, and emotional support to aging parents. Equally important is the step-in of the government to share elderly care responsibilities, provide support through deepening pension and healthcare reforms, and implement the active and healthy aging agenda. How the two factors play out over the next decade and beyond will have profound implications on the living arrangement, intergenerational support, and wellbeing of older adults in China.