China’s thriving ‘silver economy’

Zhang leading a singing class at a nursing home in Xi’an, in central China. China’s shrinking population poses threats to growth but has opened opportunities for businesses that serve older adults. — ©2024 The New York Times Company

FOR more than a decade, Li Dongmei operated a series of kindergartens and schools for young children, withstanding the realities of China’s declining birthrate. She finally faced the music in 2020.

The shrinking number of children meant ever smaller enrolments of babies and toddlers at her schools.