What China can teach the world about getting old and staying rich

Japan and Italy stand out as examples of how not to manage an aging population

Avatar
20201020 China elderly free hotpot.JPG

Elderly people eat free hotpot in Taiyuan, pictured in October 2018: China has made sure that the economic burden of carrying its older generations is affordable. © Reuters

Dr. Lauren A. Johnston is research associate, China Institute, SOAS, University of London. She is founder and managing director of New South Economics.

Two hundred years ago the British demographer, economist and moral philosopher Thomas Malthus published a series of works on political economy and population. These gave rise to what is now known as the Malthusian Trap.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.