Meet Wang Yunbo, a 65-year-old resident of Beijing who has seamlessly integrated AI into his daily life. From personalized TV channels to smart bands that monitor his health, Wang embodies the digital revolution in elderly care.
As China’s senior population nears 300 million, AI technologies are stepping in to simplify and enrich the lives of those aged 60 and above. By the end of 2023, over 490,000 Chinese companies were involved in the elderly care sector, focusing on smart health, health-centered tourism, financing, and anti-aging solutions.
According to Wang Haotian, a researcher at the Academy of Macroeconomic Research, innovative technologies and business models are emerging to meet the personalized and quality-focused needs of seniors. With projections indicating that China will have over 400 million people aged 60+ by 2033 and nearly 500 million by 2050, the demand for effective elderly care solutions is growing rapidly.
Feng Wenmeng from the Development Research Center of the State Council highlights the advancements in specialized products for seniors, such as health-monitoring devices, smart shoes with positioning systems, and clothing equipped with sensors and airbags to prevent injuries from falls.
In Shanghai, a resident in her seventies has formed a bond with her robot 'nanny,' relying on it for daily conversations, housework, and health advice. However, experts note that while AI is currently enhancing basic care services, there is still significant potential to expand into areas like remote medical services.
To address these gaps, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, along with other government departments, has launched an action plan to integrate robots into various elderly care scenarios. This initiative aims to leverage advanced technologies like 5G, big data, and cloud computing to improve human-robot interactions.
One notable collaboration is between the Bank of Shanghai and SenseTime, an AI software company. Together, they have developed lifelike AI employees that provide voice-assisted services on the bank’s mobile app, making pension account management more accessible for elderly users. This innovation was recognized by the International Telecommunication Union as part of the first batch of \"AI for Good\" cases worldwide.
Despite the promising developments, challenges remain. Many seniors find AI products expensive and sometimes unreliable, while concerns about privacy and fraud continue to surface. Researchers like Hu Zuquan suggest that China can draw inspiration from countries like the Netherlands, Japan, and the United Kingdom to advance its silver economy with AI.
Justine Coulson, a representative from the United Nations Population Fund, expressed optimism that China’s efforts in developing the silver economy could serve as valuable models for other emerging economies in the next decade.
Reference(s):
AI technologies open new prospects for elderly care in China
cgtn.com
