This paper confirms very rapid increase in proportion of elderly, huge numbers of elders, an
extraordinarily rapid increase of oldest old, and more serious aging problems in rural than urban
areas in China. Comparative data analysis on family dynamics of elderly, males vs. females,
younger elders vs. oldest old, rural vs. urban, and 1982 vs. 1990 are presented. Family household
projection reveals that the family and living arrangements of the Chinese elderly would change
dramatically during the first half of 21th century. Drawing upon our empirical findings, we presented
policy recommendations on strengthening family support system, establishing an old age insurance
program in rural areas, favourable policy for elderly women in consideration of their disadvantaged
status, and smoothly transiting to a two-child plus spacing policy.