Caring for the health of the elderly in China Caring for the health of the elderly in China 28 May 2021 In just 20 years’ time, the population of people over 60 years old in China is projected to reach 28% of the population, up from 10% today, due to longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates, making it one of the most rapidly-ageing populations in the world. This huge demographic shift presents new challenges and opportunities for public health and socioeconomic development – in particular, the development of an integrated system that caters to the health and social needs of older people, 75% of whom suffer from noncommunicable diseases, with equal access to health care regardless of geographical area.