Documentary examines lives of the elderly in modern China

Due to China's rapidly aging population, with more than 320 million people aged 60 and above and those aged 65 or older accounting for 15.87 percent of the country's citizens, aging has become an increasingly urgent social issue rather than a distant demographic trend.

Against this backdrop, the second season of the documentary series When You Are Old (Qianlang) premiered on Tuesday on Dragon TV and Tencent Video. Through six real-life stories, the series examines the everyday experiences of older adults while encouraging audiences to rethink what it means to grow old in contemporary China.

Returning two years after its first season, the documentary moves beyond simply documenting the lives of elderly people. Instead, the production team follows its subjects closely, capturing the details of their daily routines, personal choices and emotional journeys. The filmmakers say the new season aims to encourage viewers to move beyond stereotypes about old age and confront the realities of the second half of life.

The series continues its commitment to an unscripted approach, with no predetermined characters, storylines or outcomes. Rather than presenting sweeping conclusions, it focuses on intimate moments and individual experiences, revealing aspects of aging that often go unnoticed despite becoming increasingly common in Chinese society.

Producer Xie Lin said the documentary is intended for audiences of all ages. "We don't make When You Are Old only for elderly viewers," she said. "We hope middle-aged and younger audiences can also find resonance in these stories."

The first season sparked discussion on issues such as adult guardianship and the legal and emotional challenges faced by older women without marital support. Building on those conversations, the second season raises broader questions about whether society is adequately prepared for an aging population and what it truly means to build an age-friendly society.

Directed by Fan Shiguang, the six-episode series runs for about 50 minutes per episode.