Story perspectives

China's Life Expectancy Hits 79, Projected 80 by 2030

12/4/2025

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Center

China's Life Expectancy Rise

In 2024, China's average life expectancy reached 79 years, per Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission.
Haichao projected newborns could average 80 years by 2030.
The rise reflects progress in health outcomes despite limited resources.
European Union (EU) life expectancy rose to 81.7 years in 2024, while the United States reached 78.4 years in 2023, widening the gap.

Right

China's Elderly Care Initiative

By end-2023, nearly 300 million people in China were aged 60 or older.
The share aged 60+ is projected to reach 30% by 2035.
China's government is developing a framework with long-term care insurance, retirement-focused financial services, and AI and 5G-enabled eldercare.
The framework aims to relieve family burdens and prevent elderly poverty.
The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) will expand long-term care and integrate eldercare with health and digital infrastructure.

Left

China's Healthcare Growth

The National Health Commission reported that in 2024 China handled 10.15 billion medical consultations, up from 2023 by 600 million.
Maternal mortality declined to 14.3 per 100,000 and infant mortality to 4.0 per thousand.
By year-end 2024, China had 1.09 million medical institutions, including 38,710 hospitals.
Health personnel increased by 4.3% to 13.02 million.
These improvements reflect China's ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare access and affordability.

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China's Life Expectancy Rise

In 2024, China's average life expectancy reached 79 years, per Lei Haichao, head of the National Health Commission.
Haichao projected newborns could average 80 years by 2030.
The rise reflects progress in health outcomes despite limited resources.
European Union (EU) life expectancy rose to 81.7 years in 2024, while the United States reached 78.4 years in 2023, widening the gap.

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