Summary: | This study addresses two questions: first regarding China’s ability to respond to its rapidly
ageing population, and second what China can learn from Denmark in their approach to this
challenge. Denmark, along with the other Scandinavian countries, is generally considered well
adapted to demographic change. This paper aims to examine if the experiences of Denmark can
add insights that are useful for the development of a sustainable and financially responsible
approach to population ageing in China. Reviewing the respective demographic challenges of
both China and Denmark, together with the provisions of old-age security and care, this paper
presents an examination of their adaptability to demographic change. Finally, the paper outlines
three factors from which China arguably could learn from the Danish approach to demographic
change. It is evident from studying the Danish approach to demographic changes that pensions
are not the sole focus; stimulating labour force participation, creating initiatives to postpone
retirement and work longer and enforcing pro-natal polices are all part of the solution. Due to
this, this paper argues that the main lesson to be learned from Denmark is that there is a need
for a holistic approach to demographic change; reforming the pension system is only one part.
Keywords: China, Denmark, universalism, demographic change, pensions, old-age
dependency
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