Changes in the death probability of China\u2019s elderly population and rethinking the definition of old age

Abstract

A study of the age-specific death probability of China’s elderly population from 1982 to 2010 shows that, during the past 30 years, the death probability of China’s elderly population has decreased over time. This indicates that the health status of and meaning of age for the elderly population has been changing. At the same time, changes in economic, social and environmental factors and the development of science and technology have not only greatly changed the lifestyles and work situation of the elderly population, but also provided them with more opportunities to participate in economic and social activities, thus making today’s elderly people “healthier” and “younger” than those of previous generations. In conclusion, the findings of this paper suggest that it is necessary to rethink the traditional definition of elderly population. In addition, changes in the death probability of the elderly population of China also show significant gender and regional differences domestically, and there are gaps in the death probability of the elderly in China versus in developed countries, indicating that China still has a long way to go to complete a fundamental transformation of death patterns. A full understanding of such changes and differences will allow us to redefine old age and develop a new understanding of the aging society. Such an understanding can also help us to reconstruct the public policy system to meet the needs of a future society in which aging is the normal state of affairs.