Shanghai explores smart elderly care solutions

Shanghai is adopting smart elderly care solutions as China's population ages, leveraging the latest technologies to improve care for seniors and exploring the growing potential of the silver economy.

With over 37 percent of its residents aged 60 and above, Shanghai has rolled out the "Action Plan for Advancing the Development of Elderly Care Technology," with the goal of making the city a national hub for elderly care innovation by 2027. As demand for high-quality elderly care solutions rises, Shanghai is also witnessing a surge in the silver economy.

To address healthcare concerns, many elderly care facilities in the city have integrated with local online hospital systems, allowing seniors to have remote consultations with doctors. Additionally, digital tools have enabled family members to receive real-time updates on their loved ones' conditions.

"Families used to have concerns when sending loved ones to an elderly care facility. But with our smart elderly care system, family members can see real-time updates on their parents' conditions," said Ding Ling, director of the Wanghong Yuexin Elderly Care Facility in Shanghai.

Beyond care facilities, the Shanghai government has implemented initiatives to assist seniors at home. By setting up assistive product showcase centers across the city, the government is introducing innovative assistive technologies to everyone in need to improve the daily life of elderly residents.

"There are so many products here that cater to the diverse needs of elderly people. I would say that they are doing a good job, because every one of we elderlies have different needs," said Feng Yizhan, a Shanghai resident visiting the venue.

These centers have had a significant impact, addressing the growing demand for elderly care solutions.

"This platform has been a great demonstration. Many elderly people visiting our venue were surprised that there exist so many assistive devices that can bring benefit their lives so much," said Shen Yu, chairman of Shanghai Prosthetics Factory under the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Civil Affairs.

From smart elderly care systems to diverse assistive products, Shanghai is committed to fostering an inclusive society for seniors while tapping into the immense potential of the silver economy.

Shanghai explores smart elderly care solutions

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Wednesday that Seoul firmly adheres to the one-China principle, in comments made ahead of his upcoming state visit to China.

The remarks were made in an interview with China Media Group (CMG). The visit is scheduled for Jan 4–7.

"The consensus reached between governments of the Republic of Korea and China when diplomatic relations were established continues to be the fundamental principle governing our relations, and its effectiveness remains steadfast. I want to clearly state that the ROK has always adhered to the one-China principle. Maintaining peace and stability in regional matters, including in Northeast Asia and concerning the Taiwan issue, holds significant importance to us," said Lee.

"The foundational relationship between the ROK and China was established on a very principled and fundamental basis from the beginning. It is clear that the ROK government has always adhered to this position and has never wavered from it. I believe that the sound development of ROK-China relations depends on both sides fully respecting each other's core interests and being mutually tolerant of each other's positions. In this context, we will, as always, uphold the one-China principle as the Taiwan issue is China's most fundamental concern," he said.

ROK president reiterates firm adherence to one-China principle