China's Aging Migrant Workers Struggle to Find Jobs

For migrant workers like Guan Junling, 53, not working is not an option. Despite being considered too old to get hired at factories, she relies on housecleaning gigs to make ends meet.

Decades ago, migrant workers like Guan left farming villages to find work in China's cities, contributing significantly to the country's economic growth. However, as they grow older, they are facing challenges in finding jobs in a slowing economy.

With limited or no pensions and health insurance, many older migrant workers feel compelled to keep working. About 85 million migrant workers were over 50 in 2022, up from 15% a decade earlier.

Jobs have become scarce for older workers, especially in construction and factories, due to factors like automation and economic slowdown. Age discrimination further complicates their job search, with many positions going to younger individuals.

As a result, many older migrant workers are turning to temporary work. Some are also looking for jobs near their hometowns, while others continue to seek opportunities in larger cities.

The challenges faced by older migrant workers have prompted calls for policy changes to support them. Trade union official Lu Guoquan has proposed relaxing age limits for jobs and judging workers based on their physical condition rather than their age.

Despite the hardships, many older migrant workers like Duan Shuangzhu, 68, remain resilient. Duan, who collects trash in Beijing, gets up early every day to make ends meet. He has managed to save money for his family but never paid into a pension system, focusing on supporting his children and grandchildren.

For Duan, survival is the priority. “I didn’t grow up in a wealthy family — just filling my stomach each day is enough for me,” he said.