The "Silver Hair Wave" Meets the AI Revolution: Robots Become "Considerate Companions" for the Elderly

Population aging is a major global issue. In China, the population aged 60 and above has exceeded 300 million. Ensuring that the elderly are provided for in their old age, live happy lives, and enjoy health and longevity is our common aspiration.

A elderly care service system suited to China's national conditions is being rapidly developed.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, a elderly care service system with Chinese characteristics, tailored to the country's situation, is being accelerated. China's average life expectancy has increased to 79 years. 129,000 "warm-hearted elevators" were newly installed in old residential compounds, 2.24 million households of the elderly completed home modifications for aging suitability, and 500 community-based home care service networks collectively weave a safety and happiness net for elderly care. Today, 49.45 million elderly people receive various subsidies, including senior age allowances, and 53.58 million "silver-haired volunteers" have cumulatively provided 1.64 billion hours of service, making their later lives increasingly fulfilling.

The development of China's elderly care services is not merely about quantitative increases. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the technological level and service quality of the elderly care industry also improved significantly. In these five years, the "silver hair wave" met the AI revolution, and technology-assisted elderly care is transforming the lives of the elderly.

Elderly person: It's so hot. When will it get cooler?

Robot: The weather is indeed quite hot, but autumn has already arrived.

In a Shanghai nursing home, casual chats between seniors and robots have become part of the daily routine. Robots can not only chat with the elderly about the weather and daily life but also sing and dance to amuse them. Today, various types of companion robots have become the "beloved favorites" of many seniors.