Due to the limitation of data and analyzing method, previous studies of elderly's main economic resource are insufficient to answer the following two questions: first, when does transition begin before 60? Second, how does the economic resource change as the 2000 cohort of elderly growing older? This study uses the 6th census data to demonstrate the transitional trend of economic resource by analyzing data from the age of 45. Moreover, trace the 2000 cohort to analyze the changes of main economic resource to 2010. The results showed that: 1) the proportion of Chinese elderly rely on pensions experienced a ladder-like transition; 2) 60 to 69 was the important period of change and gradually became stable after 75. In urban area, the rank of labor income and pension switched at 60 forming "scissor-like" distribution, while in rural area, the rank of labor income exchanged with family support forming "sandglass-like" distribution; 3) the older people had better self-support capabilities with the development of social security system. The study indicates that the income structure of older people can not only reflect their financial situation, but also embody the national level of socio-economic development.
