As global populations age, the challenge of elder care is also an opportunity for innovation. In a recent episode of Health Talk, Professor Wang Hongman, director of the Institute of Health and Society at Southeast University of China, invites us to reimagine aging with dignity — not as a burden, but as a phase of wisdom and connection in what she calls a “silver society.”
Wang argues that every family can transform into a “university for seniors,” where intergenerational learning fuels both mental and physical well-being. “When grandparents teach grandchildren and vice versa, knowledge and empathy flow freely across generations,” she says, highlighting how engaged families can nurture health and happiness.
The conversation shifts to technology, showcasing how intelligent meal planners and robotic caregivers are moving from science fiction to living rooms. These smart solutions tailor nutrition, monitor health, and offer companionship, making dignified aging a practical reality.
More than gadgets, Wang stresses a shift in language and mindset: replace outdated terms that frame elders as dependent with “silver society” or “wise society,” celebrating the ongoing value and vitality of older adults. “Aging is not the end of our story, but a new chapter rich with human connection and wisdom,” she reminds us.
By blending intergenerational solidarity with cutting-edge innovation, Wang’s vision offers a blueprint for societies worldwide eager to honor their elders and leverage the power of aging.
Reference(s):
Health Talk: Towards a silver society – rethinking aging with dignity
cgtn.com
