In response to China’s rapidly aging population and declining fertility rates, a growing number of young adults are offering companionship services to elderly individuals who live alone and face loneliness. These “shared” or “outsourced” children—typically in their 20s and 30s—provide emotional support, assist with daily tasks such as setting up smartphones, accompany clients to medical appointments, and engage in social visits. The emerging industry operates primarily through social media platforms, where fees for a three-hour session range from $29 to $88.

The trend reflects broader demographic challenges China is confronting. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2040, approximately 402 million Chinese, or 28 percent of the population, will be over 60 years old. This shift is partially attributed to the one-child policy implemented between 1979 and 2015, which limited family size and contributed to a shrinking younger generation. National data from 2021 revealed that over half of elderly Chinese live in “empty-nest” households, and projections suggest a shortage of 5.5 million elder care nurses by 2030.

Several startups have capitalized on this social dynamic. In Tianjin, Happy Home connects clients, mostly elderly individuals whose adult children have relocated for work, with young companions who provide emotional and practical support. Similarly, in Suzhou, Liu Cheng’s Time Bank offers outsourced children services inspired by a U.S. model pairing companions with seniors for errands and social interaction. Both companies emphasize worker screening and training, with Time Bank implementing measures such as body cameras during visits, with client consent, to enhance accountability and safety.

While proponents argue that these services address a genuine social need and help alleviate the burden on “sandwich generation” caregivers who support both children and aging parents, concerns remain. Critics highlight potential risks, including access to sensitive personal information and a lack of professional medical training among companions, which may leave providers ill-equipped for emergencies. Commentators caution that monetizing filial duties challenges traditional cultural values that emphasize family responsibility in elder care.

Experts, however, suggest that paid companionship may serve as a supplementary solution to formal care systems. Peng Xizhe, dean of the Fudan Institute on Aging, noted the importance of matching services to the specific needs of elderly individuals. Economist Bingqin Li emphasized the necessity of establishing a regulated care system with clear professional standards to integrate both community volunteers and commercial providers effectively.

Despite official concerns and cultural sensitivities, some local governments have expressed support for these services. Jiayu County in Hubei province described outsourced children as “an exploration of socialized elder care” and encouraged public understanding. Meanwhile, the sector faces challenges in attracting clients, as many seniors remain hesitant to rely on outsiders for companionship.

Overall, the development of adult companionship services in China underscores the country’s evolving demographic landscape and the search for new approaches to elder care. Entrepreneurs like Liu Cheng envision a future where accessing senior home care is as seamless as ordering a meal, while acknowledging that such services are not intended to replace family involvement but to complement it.