China's 'stand-in economy' expands as youth outsource elder care duties

A growing trend in China sees young professionals hiring paid 'life stand-ins' to perform elder-care tasks such as cooking, hospital visits, and even quarrelling on their behalf. First reported in 2024, the practice reflects demographic pressures and shifting family dynamics, though its scale and regulatory implications remain unclear. The development signals a broader societal adaptation to an aging population and time-scarce urban lifestyles.