The Evolution of Patterns of Mortality and Disability Burden Among Older Adults - China, 1990-2023

China's aging population has a heavy chronic disease burden. Existing research often overlooks health heterogeneity among older age groups, relies on mortality metrics, and lacks information on long-term disability trends.

This study reveals that all-cause mortality declined substantially, whereas years lived with disability (YLDs) remained stable. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (ADOD) exhibited the fastest increase in mortality [average annual percent change (AAPC)=1.76, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.63, 1.87]. Age-related hearing loss and falls dominated YLDs.

Public health strategies should shift from general approaches to age-tailored interventions. Integrating evidence-based stratified strategies is crucial for reducing disability and advancing Healthy China by 2030.