Heard in the Hutong: What Should China Do About Its Aging Population?

Heard in the Hutong: What Should China Do About Its Aging Population?

China is facing a demographic crunch: its working-age population is drastically shrinking, while the ranks of its elderly are expected to surge 85% in the next 15 years. China's leaders have sought to address the problem by abandoning the one-child policy and proposing a raise in the retirement age -- but will it be enough? We asked Beijingers their thoughts.

 

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THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Zhao Jingfang

52, retired saleswoman from Beijing

Do you support raising the mandatory retirement age? 
Different occupations demand different retirement ages. Besides, the party cadres occupy all the top positions, so young people find it hard to get promoted. Therefore I'm opposed. 

Have you thought about your own retirement? 
Before retiring, I felt the pinch; afterwards, it’s worse. I worked hard for most of my life, and just when I got the chance to rest, this little one (grandchild) came along. I thought I'd get 6,000 yuan ($940) a month, but now it’s only 2,000 yuan ($313). 

How do you feel about placing elderly people in nursing homes? 
It depends on the person. I’d be happy to live in a high-level nursing home if I had the money. 

Do you think dropping the one-child policy will help China address its labor shortage? 
Previously, it was only the poor who had two children. Nowadays, it's the rich. Do we face a labor shortage? Why did they advocate the benefits of one child, then? It’s too late to make a difference.