China's aging population takes to the web

China had 156 million elderly internet users aged 60 or above as of the end of last year, accounting for approximately 14.1 percent of the nation's total online population, according to a report released on Thursday which highlighted the country's progress in building an aging-friendly society.

The report, released by the Ministry of Civil Affairs and China's National Committee on Aging said upwards of 100 million domestic smartphones and smart TVs, along with more than 3,000 commonly used websites, had been adapted for easier use by elderly people by the end of 2024.

Additional efforts to simplify television operation have enabled 285 million households to access live broadcasts directly upon turning on their TVs.

Beyond the digital realm, substantial investments have been made in physical infrastructure. In 2024 alone, 14,500 residential communities underwent aging-friendly and barrier-free renovations, including the installation of 29,600 elevators. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), 2.08 million elderly households with special needs have received home modifications.

Meanwhile, the country had 406,000 elderly care institutions and facilities by the end of 2024, providing 7.99 million beds. Meal assistance services grew significantly, reaching 75,000 dedicated sites by the end of 2024.

All of these measures have been taken to assist China's rapidly aging population. There were 310 million citizens in China aged 60 and above as of the end of 2024, representing 22 percent of the total population. In addition, the nation's average life expectancy has risen to 79 years, up by 0.4 years from 2023, positioning it alongside the leading upper-middle-income countries globally.