[CIIE Special Issue] CIIE Showcases New Trends in the Elderly Care Industry
At this year's CIIE, whether it is the health and elderly care zone created in the medical equipment and healthcare exhibition area, or the characteristic products and services for the elderly group displayed in the consumption, food, service trade and other exhibition areas, all demonstrate the huge potential of the silver economy. The "China's Active Response to Population Aging Urban Capacity Index Report" (2024 edition) released by the National Information Center on the 6th shows that by the end of 2023, the population aged 60 and above in China will reach 297 million, accounting for 21.1% of the total population. According to China's aging standard of 60 years old, this marks the official entry of China into the stage of moderate aging. The aging trend of China's population continues to deepen, and the consumption capacity of middle-aged and elderly people continues to improve, injecting domestic demand power into the silver economy. On the 6th, at the sub forum of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum on "Sharing the Silver Hair Economy: New Opportunities for an Aging Society", Lv Xiaoli, Vice President of the China Association on Aging, stated that the silver hair economy is expected to become the most certain and promising new competition in China's economic field in the next 30 years. This year's CIIE showcases new trends and possibilities in the field of elderly care.
On November 7, 2024, in the Medical Equipment and Healthcare Exhibition Area of the 7th CIIE in Shanghai, visitors are learning about integrated operating rooms. (Visual China)
The market structure has undergone a transformation
From high-tech hearing aids designed to assist elderly people with hearing impairments, to bathroom shift machines and other equipment designed for disabled elderly, to "deep sleep cabins" that promote sleep health, exhibitors presented various innovative products and services to help the silver haired generation live a healthy life in the health and elderly care section of this year's CIIE.
This year marks the seventh time that Canada's Air Nutri Solution Inc. has participated in the CIIE, showcasing a variety of innovative products aimed at improving sleep at its booth. Li Jingming, the executive officer of Air Nutri Solution Inc. in China, told Global Times reporters that after China enters an aging society, the market structure will also change, and the health awareness and consumption ability of the elderly will become stronger. The government's policy support and promotion of the silver economy are very beneficial for the development of enterprises in this field.
Silver hair demand receives attention from enterprises
Numerous medical companies have demonstrated innovative achievements in the field of health and elderly care. Bidi Medical has established an immersive scenario based zone for "Silver Hair Health and Home Care", integrating cutting-edge products, solutions, and service systems covering home care to community healthcare. In terms of products, BYD Medical showcased the world's first non-invasive PUREWICK that reduces urinary tract infections associated with catheterization ® Female urinary catheterization sticks are dedicated to improving the quality of home care for female patients with moderate to severe urinary incontinence or mobility issues who require bedridden urination. This type of product extends the medical service scene from hospitals to communities and families, meeting the contemporary society's demand for "elderly care" services. Deng Jianmin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Greater China at Bidi Medical, told Global Times reporters that the silver hair market currently has huge potential, with great potential in the fields of medicine, equipment, and home care.
On November 8, 2024, in Shanghai, visitors visited the Bidi Medical booth at the 7th CIIE. (Visual China)
Abbott has brought the first new generation of Abbott Amphotericin to China, upgrading the original Amphotericin to meet the needs of the elderly population in China. Newman Medical showcases its full lifecycle health solutions and intelligent health technology under the theme of "Proactive Health and Technology Response to Population Aging". It has also released a "Digital Precision Motion Algorithm System" to optimize the ways and paths of proactive health for chronic disease patients.
Developing age appropriate products has become a key focus in multiple industries
In addition to exhibitors in the medical and health field, reporters have found that companies have launched anti-aging products and services in exhibition areas such as food, consumption, and service trade.
This year, IKEA has created a "senior friendly home" model room, with specially designed bedroom and bathroom scenes that better meet the needs of the elderly. In an interview with Global Times, Ruan Linjuan, Vice President of IKEA China, said, "We want to create a home environment suitable for the elderly from the perspective of existing products and solutions. This year, IKEA has partnered with the Baoshan District government in Shanghai to launch the 'Elderly Good Living' program, which aims to make aging friendly renovations to the home environment of local elderly people
Remy Le, Chief Representative of Greater China for the Trade and Investment Authority (TIQ) of the Queensland government in Australia, told Global Times reporters that China's vigorous development of the silver economy has created opportunities for Queensland related enterprises. This year, multiple health-related companies from Queensland participated in the exhibition, with elderly people being their important target customers. In the Taste of Queensland exhibition area, Metagenics' big health brand Inos has released a new skin shield probiotic PRO grade product that meets the needs of anti-aging and quick repair for sensitive skin populations. The promotion of the silver economy in China is a great opportunity for us, "said Mou Bo, General Manager of Metagenics China, to Global Times reporters." We have launched intestinal conditioning products to address the constipation and irritable bowel conditions of middle-aged and elderly people
At Panasonic's booth, reporters saw a large number of elderly friendly products, including basins and angled mirrors suitable for wheelchair users, adjustable height toilet handrails, and smart electric beds designed for semi disabled elderly people. Due to Japan's earlier entry into an aging society than China, the experience of Japanese companies such as Panasonic in dealing with an aging society can play an important role in the development of China's "silver economy". Zhao Bingdi, President of Panasonic (China) Co., Ltd., told reporters that the arrival of aging population has increased China's demand and expectations for health and wellness, which is an important social issue and an opportunity for Panasonic. Over the past few decades, Panasonic has accumulated rich experience in areas such as residential space and smart home appliances, which can serve the Chinese market. Zhao Bingdi also emphasized that simply moving Japanese products to China is not feasible. Therefore, in 2021, Panasonic established the world's first healthy living space laboratory in Beijing - "Well Habitat Laboratory", and produced a series of research results, providing professional support for Panasonic's business in China.
Source: Global Times