China’s Aging Society and the One-Child Policy: A Deepening Crisis

China's Population Dilemma

In recent years, China's population has faced daunting challenges due to an aging society. The repercussions of the one-child policy have created a pronounced demographic imbalance, leading to increased pressures on families like Wendy Liu's, who are grappling with caring for ageing parents alongside raising children.

The Impact of the One-Child Policy

• Life Expectancy: The average life expectancy in China has risen significantly, with statistics showing an increase from 68 to 78.6 years between 1982 and 2023.
• Job Market Pressures: As the sandwich generation strives to support their children and aging parents amid high youth unemployment rates, family resources are stretched thin.
• Future Challenges: Projections indicate a rise in dual-only-child families, posing unprecedented hurdles for elder and child care, with significant implications for family structures.

The Economic Strain

The simultaneous aging of the population and a declining birthrate have suppressed consumption in China, further harming the economy. Data shows alarming trends, including a rising youth unemployment rate, which raises concerns about the economic sustainability of families trying to support multiple generations.

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness

As this demographic crisis unfolds, it is essential for policymakers to address the challenges posed by a shrinking population. Without effective strategies to enhance family support and economic stability, the plight of families caught in this cycle may deepen, leaving future generations grappling with challenges akin to those faced today.