The Macau government has proposed that local schools be converted into learning centers for the elderly, addressing the territory’s low birth rate and rapidly aging population.
Last year, Macau recorded only 2,871 newborns, the lowest number of births in nearly 50 years.
The fertility rate in Macau has been declining for 11 consecutive years, reaching a historic low of 0.47 births per woman aged 15–49 in 2025, according to official data.
“We will support schools with the right conditions to become continuing education institutions, offering skills training, professional development, and learning opportunities for seniors,” said Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture O Lam during a legislative assembly session.
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The government stated that the initiative is driven by the changing demographic structure, the adjustment of the industrial framework, and the needs of social development.
Education services statistics show a reduction of 26 kindergarten classes and 63 early childhood teachers this academic year. To address this, O Lam added that subsidies will be provided to schools for building renovations and the upgrading of educational equipment.
“Training programs related to professional retraining will be organized to facilitate a smooth transition for schools and teachers,” she added, noting that financial support will also be provided to teachers seeking professional certifications.
A survey of more than 500 teachers found that over two-thirds are willing to make the transition.
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At the same event, Kong Chi Meng, director of the Education and Youth Development Services, said that for now, six schools are willing to merge and three schools are willing to transform into senior learning centers.
With declining births, Macau’s population aged 65 and over—about 105,200 in 2025—represents 15.3% of the total population, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous year.
The city’s total population reached 688,900 at the end of 2025, a slight increase of 0.1% from the previous year, with 80,300 young people aged 0–14 (11.7%).
The elderly population surpassed the youth population for the first time in 2023. The Macau government forecasts a very low birth rate continuing this decade, with nearly one-quarter of the population being elderly by 2041.
