A new industry of paid companions known as "outsourced children" or "rent-a-child" services has expanded rapidly in China to address the growing isolation of elderly citizens.

The trend gained widespread attention after a Dalian-based group of mostly military veterans launched surrogate son and daughter packages in September 2025. The team, which began with nine members, grew to more than 1,000 providers within three months and expanded to other provinces including Henan. Services include chatting, accompanying seniors on walks or to medical appointments, shopping, and appearing at nursing homes to signal family involvement and deter potential neglect.

Prices typically range from 500 to 2,500 yuan per visit, or roughly $70 to $350. Similar offerings appear on platforms such as the Xianyu second-hand app, with three-hour sessions advertised from about $29 to $88. Clients are often empty-nest seniors in their 50s and 60s whose adult children live far away or abroad, as well as some who are widowed or childless.

China's population aged 60 and older exceeded 310 million by the end of 2024, representing more than 22 percent of the total population. Official data show over half of elderly people live apart from their children, with the share reaching 70 percent in some urban and rural areas. The one-child policy, in effect from 1979 to 2015, contributed to smaller family sizes and low fertility rates that have accelerated the aging process.

Startups such as Happy Home in Tianjin and organizations like Time Bank now connect clients with younger workers who provide emotional support and daily assistance without delivering specialized medical care. Some arrangements have evolved into longer-term relationships, including holiday gatherings or discussions of formal guardianship contracts.

The services reflect market responses to demographic pressures that have left many seniors without nearby family support. Demand continues to rise as the elderly population is projected to reach 402 million by 2040.