Shanghai Government Launches Initiatives for Smart Elderly Care and Silver Economy

On February 9, 2026, the city government held a themed press conference attended by key officials, including Gu Jun, Director of the Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Tang Wenkang, Director of the Municipal Economic and Information Commission; Shen Weihua, Director of the Municipal Commerce Commission; Luo Dajin, Director of the Municipal Science and Technology Commission; Yang Jiaying, Director of the Municipal Human Resources and Social Security Bureau; and Lou Guojian, Deputy Director of the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau. They addressed questions from both domestic and international reporters regarding smart elderly care and the silver economy.

The press raised a question about the increasing prevalence of intelligent monitoring in elderly care institutions and whether this indicates a shift towards smart elderly care services. They also inquired about how the Municipal Civil Affairs Bureau plans to promote the implementation of smart technologies in institutional care, community support, and home-based elderly services.

Lou Guojian responded, expressing gratitude for the question. He noted that advancements in artificial intelligence and big data are rapidly evolving, and the elderly care sector is actively embracing new technologies. In 2023, Shanghai began to comprehensively promote the construction of smart elderly care facilities. By utilizing big data, the Internet of Things, and other technologies, they are establishing smart information platforms equipped with intelligent devices such as smart mattresses, fall monitoring systems, and one-click calling features to monitor and record seniors’ health data promptly. This technology aims to predict potential safety risks, digitalize care plans and records, and reduce repetitive tasks for caregivers, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of care services and allowing seniors to enjoy their golden years with dignity. Currently, 122 smart elderly care facilities have been established.

Moving forward, the focus will be on diversifying and refining elderly care services while strengthening technology-driven solutions. The initiatives will center on:

1. Precise Matching of Institutional Needs: There will be an increased application of elderly care technology products in institutions. By 2026, a platform will be established to connect technology companies with elderly care institutions for collaborative development of technology products, alongside assessments of application effectiveness to facilitate functional optimization. Additionally, supportive policies will be introduced, offering a one-time subsidy of 100,000 yuan for the construction of scenarios utilizing elderly care technology products or partnerships with tech firms.
2. Diverse Service Offerings: The integration of elderly care services with technologies such as the Internet, big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things will be emphasized. This includes enhancing services like meal assistance, accompanying seniors to medical appointments, and home care. The goal is to develop smart home care services that combine institutional care quality with home enjoyment, further promoting the “One-Click Senior Services” platform, which has already served approximately 500,000 seniors since its inception in 2021. The next step is to incorporate this service into the city’s support system for vulnerable elderly residents, improving their home safety and meeting high-demand service needs such as medical appointments and utility payments through the platform.

In response to another question regarding the newly opened “Silver Economy Store” in Shanghai, Lou Guojian expressed appreciation for the attention towards the development of the silver economy and elderly consumer services. He highlighted that Shanghai is among the first cities in the nation to experience significant population aging, with over 37.6% of the registered population being elderly by the end of 2024. To address this demographic shift and enhance the quality of elderly care services, innovative models, diverse offerings, and high-quality services are essential to meet the new expectations of seniors for a better life.

The “Silver Economy Store” was created to provide a one-stop experience for seniors looking for age-friendly products, technological aids, and rehabilitation devices. It caters to a comprehensive range of quality-of-life needs for the elderly, showcasing innovative products in areas such as smart aids, age-friendly home designs, healthy meals, functional clothing, and entertainment tailored for seniors. The store has demonstrated promising operational results, averaging daily sales of about 30,000 yuan, peaking at 50,000 yuan. It has received widespread recognition from the elderly community and their families, providing affordable, essential products in a setting that alleviates purchasing anxieties. For instance, products like exoskeleton robots require fitting adjustments based on users’ leg conditions; thus, hands-on trials at the store help increase confidence and sales.

This “Silver Economy Store” is just one example of Shanghai’s efforts to foster new consumption scenarios for seniors. Since last year, several senior-friendly consumption locations have been established, including a rehabilitation aid and elderly care technology innovation experience center at 207 Jiaozhou Road, a themed space for elderly consumption at the First Department Store by Bailian Group, the “Hongkai Lailing” living hall in Hongkou District, and the city’s first “AI + Elderly Care” experience store, “Xiyi AI Experience Hall,” in Xuhui District.

To guide and regulate development, the city plans to issue the “Guidelines for the Construction of Elderly-Friendly Malls (Trial)” and “Guidelines for the Construction of Elderly Specialty Stores (Trial)” by October 2025, outlining construction standards across various aspects such as environmental facilities, product services, and operational management. While the establishment of these stores is still in its early stages, there is ample room for expanding and perfecting product categories. The city welcomes seniors to visit and experience the offerings and encourages feedback from the community and media to create more spaces that meet the needs of the elderly and that seniors will love.