Aging population trends in Taipei are reshaping how older residents live. Fewer seniors are choosing three-generation households, and more are living independently, according to new government data released Wednesday.
The Taipei Department of Budget, Accounting and Statistics conducted a citywide survey on living conditions among residents aged 60 and older. The results, gathered every five years, reveal shifting lifestyles and family structures within the capital’s aging population.
About 17 percent of older residents now live in three-generation households, a drop of 5.8 percentage points from five years ago. Therefore, the decline highlights a move away from traditional multigenerational living.
Meanwhile, more seniors are living alone. Around 9.8 percent now live independently, up 3.5 percentage points from the previous survey. Consequently, experts say this reflects greater financial stability and changing social attitudes toward independent living.
However, many seniors still live with family members. About 41.1 percent live in dual-generational households, mostly with their children. Moreover, another 24.7 percent live with a spouse or partner. These figures show that family support continues to play an important role in senior life.
In addition, homeownership remains high but is slowly shifting. The survey found that 72.8 percent of seniors own their homes, down 5.4 percentage points from five years ago. Furthermore, ownership by family members increased to 17.2 percent, up 3.5 percentage points. Analysts say families are consolidating housing assets to manage costs and inheritance planning.
Furthermore, nearly all older residents, about 99 percent, live in standard residential housing. This shows limited reliance on senior care facilities. Yet, the rise in seniors living alone or in smaller households points to changing cultural values and evolving family structures.
Experts warn that Taipei’s aging population will increase demand for senior-friendly housing, healthcare, and community services. As a result, younger generations moving abroad or to other cities mean more seniors are managing daily life on their own.
Consequently, city officials said the government will continue monitoring these trends. They aim to expand community care programs and promote age-inclusive housing.
Ultimately, Taipei’s changing aging population reflects broader shifts across East Asia. With life expectancy rising and birth rates falling, societies are therefore redefining caregiving, family roles, and intergenerational connections. This demographic shift will continue to shape urban and social policy in the coming years.
