Although the aging level in China is still lower than that in developed countries, substantial regional gaps are seen within the country. For example, in 1995, the rate for the oldest age-group of 65 and above averaged 6.7% nationwide, whereas that in Shanghai, where the aging pace is fastest, accounted for 11.4%. Since the national population itself is of a large scale, the old age population is also naturally enormous, as well. According to the United Nations' medium-variant estimates, the population of 65 and above (in China) is estimated to reach 85.5 million in 2000, 156.47 million in 2020, and 215.96 million in 2030. Such an immense elderly population will, without doubt, bring society many problems in the area of medical or health care and nursing, etc.
In China, where population control policy has been implemented, the birth rate is already quite low, and population growth will continue to be controlled by the "Planned Childbirth" basic national policy. Therefore, the birth rate is unlikely to rise so much as to make substantial changes in the age structure of the population. Consequently, it is inevitable that drastic aging of the population will occur in the near future, provided that the birth rate will continues to be low as it has been to date. Along with population aging, the establishment of social security systems, such as medical care, pension plans, etc. will have to be promoted. Rapid aging of the population will strongly impact on development of the society and the economy. The population aging expected in the future may lead to reconsideration of the population policy for the future.
China will be facing rapid aging of society when the economic level is still relatively low. Currently, about 80% of the elderly population of China is not covered by pension plans, and social security for old people is limited to only part of the aged population.
