Age-friendly products make life easier for seniors

An increasing number of age-friendly products have hit the Chinese market and made life easier for senior citizens, as part of a nationwide effort to serve rapidly growing elderly population.

In an old residential building in Beijing's northern suburb, the first thing 78-year-old Gong Meilin does when she gets home every day is sitting on the armrest-equipped shoe-changing bench in the entryway, before standing up with the help of the handles.

"Every time I enter the house, I sit right here. I find this chair very convenient, and it has two armrests. When I get up, I can stand up easily by holding them," she said.

Previously, she used a small round stool instead, which, she said, was not quite unstable.

In addition to the armrest-equipped shoe-changing bench, a shower chair and toilet grab bars have been set up in Gong's house, which are very helpful, she said.

"Only after actually using them did I realize how convenient they are for elderly people, and they are truly necessary," she said.

According to Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (China CDC), on average, three to four out of every 10 people over 65 years of age have experienced falls, with over half occurring in bathrooms or toilets.

Although home age-friendly modifications are becoming an urgent necessity, many seniors know little about the items, dare not buy them, or don't know where to buy.

To address the elderly consumers' concerns, Wang Youguang, chairman of Jiazi Elderly Care Services, opened an offline experience store displaying 15,000 age-friendly products in 10 major categories. Among them are mobility aids and cleaning supplies.

Customers can try using them, and feel their convenience. The items range from anti-slip shoes and handrails at dozens of yuan to nursing beds priced over 1,000 yuan.

"Look, this handrail is only 30 yuan, this one only 60 yuan. Basically, these are the most people-friendly prices in our industry," said Wang.

In 2025, six ministries including the Ministry of Commerce announced to include age-friendly products in the country's subsidy program, with some regions offering up to 30 percent subsidies for eligible elderly items.

Age-friendly products make life easier for seniors

Demand has been on the rise for in-home senior care services in China, which is grappling with an aging population.

Door-to-door care services have become essential for 85-year-old Dai Lianzhu, who is bedridden and needs regular monthly care, including catheter changes.

"Going to the hospital is very inconvenient for both the patient and us family members. The on-demand nurses are both professional and attentive," said Shan Xiaohong, Dai Lianzhu's daughter-in-law.

Under the on-demand service scheme, nurses can go to clients' home to provide professional services like oral suction.

Yang Ying regularly books such in-home services for her father who needs regular care after suffering a cerebral hemorrhage.

She said that the 45-minute service, which costs around 500 yuan (around 72 U.S. dollars) each time, is well worth the price.

"I'm the only one at home taking care of my father right now, and it's very troublesome. If we go to the hospital by ourselves, it will be very difficult for me to take care of my father alone. Now that medical staff can come to our home to provide services, it really offers great convenience for the patient with limited mobility and for the patient's family," Yang said.

Data show that China has about 40 million senior citizens with either a disability or a half-disability, and a nursing human resources gap of over 10 million is expected.

To close the shortage, China has established a new occupation -- long-term care practitioners.

"The issuance of professional standards for long-term care practitioners plays a significant role in stabilizing the workforce. Simply put, as the occupation is recognized by the country and has clear career vision, it will become far more attractive," said Fan Weidong, Fan Weidong, director general of the Department of Benefits Security of the National Healthcare Security Administration.

Demand grows for in-home senior care services in China