PROBING DISASTER RISK PERCEPTION AMONG INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES IN TRADITIONAL VILLAGES

Abstract

China is undergoing a significant demographic shift marked by rapid population ageing, presenting a critical challenge in the new era. Over the last three decades, the ageing process has intensified, witnessing a substantial increase in both the size and proportion of the elderly population, defined as individuals aged 60 years or older. The pace of this demographic transformation has accelerated notably since 1978, with the number and percentage of the elderly population aged 65 and above steadily rising. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the elderly population aged 65 and above in China surpassed 200 million by the end of 2021, constituting 14.2% of the total population. Projections indicate that by the mid-21st century, individuals aged 65 and above will represent 30% of China's total population, marking the zenith of population ageing. The escalating pace of ageing poses a formidable challenge, with the country grappling with the impending pressures associated with this demographic shift. Effectively addressing the multifaceted issues arising from population ageing has become an urgent concern for China, requiring strategic interventions to mitigate the social, economic, and healthcare challenges that accompany this profound demographic transformation.