Household consumption constitutes a pivotal mechanism for mitigating demand-side carbon dioxide emissions, and demographic aging is a critical determinant of household carbon footprints. This study examined the heterogeneous effects and underlying mechanisms of population aging on household-level carbon emissions in China, accounting for distinct economic and physiological dimensions. Economic characteristics included consumption levels and patterns, whereas physical traits were defined by family health status and floor space per capita. The findings indicated that carbon emissions decreased as households aged, especially in rural areas. The rising rates of aging resulted in lower consumption levels, changes in consumption patterns, declining health of family members, and increased floor space per capita. The economic characteristics of households significantly influenced emissions reduction. The influence of the physical and mental health status on the relationship between aging and carbon emissions was minimal. Furthermore, economic factors and floor space per capita played significant roles in reducing emissions. Urban–rural differences demonstrated that economic characteristics had a stronger influence on emissions reduction in rural households, highlighting the impact of aging on rural family lifestyles. This study underscores the intricate relationship between aging, household features, and carbon emissions, providing insights for targeted interventions to reduce Chinese households’ carbon footprints and offering critical implications for differentiated climate mitigation strategies.

该文章以“Older adults change household carbon emissions and lifestyles in Chinese families”为题，发表在《Sustainable Futures》