Imagine celebrating your 79th birthdaytoday, that's the average milestone for residents of the Chinese mainland. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics reveal that life expectancy climbed to 79 years in 2024, a jump of 1.1 years since 2020.
Behind the headline numbers is a broader story of inclusive growth under the 14th Five-Year Plan (20212025):
- Stronger wallets: Per capita disposable income rose in step with GDP, boosting everyday purchasing power and fueling consumer confidence.
- Secure futures: Over 1.07 billion residents now enjoy basic pension insurancemore than 95% participationoffering a safety net for an aging population.
- Job stability: The urban surveyed unemployment rate stayed below the 5.5% target, keeping communities engaged and economies humming.
For young global citizens, these figures spotlight how coordinated policies can translate into real-world impactlifting health outcomes, powering economic resilience, and setting the stage for innovations in healthcare, social services, and beyond.
As aging becomes a global challenge, the Chinese mainlands recent strides offer a roadmap for countries and regions aiming to balance growth with well-being. From tech startups designing smart health devices to sustainability advocates pushing for age-friendly cities, the lessons here ripple across borders and industries.
Reference(s):
Graphics: Average life expectancy in China rises to 79 years
cgtn.com
