Core Insights - The silver economy in China is recognized as a high-potential sector, but challenges such as policy gaps and market difficulties persist, leading to operational hardships for market players [1][2] - The growth of the silver economy is driven by both policy and market forces, with a significant increase in the number of elderly care-related enterprises and a rise in demand for services like rehabilitation, education, and healthcare [1][3] - The current economic environment presents structural imbalances in supply and demand within the silver market, necessitating a reevaluation of consumer capabilities and willingness to spend [2][4] Current Development Trends - As of December 31, 2024, there are approximately 160,000 elderly care-related enterprises in China, marking a 24.36% increase from the end of 2023 [1] - Key sectors such as rehabilitation care, elderly education, and medical care have seen growth rates of 36.05%, 34.15%, and 31.26% respectively [1] - The demand for elderly-friendly renovations, smart elderly care, and silver tourism is rapidly increasing, with silver tourism accounting for 20% of total national tourism [1] Challenges and Market Dynamics - The silver economy faces a dual challenge of demand contraction and supply surplus, with the aging population not translating into effective demand due to economic constraints [2] - Misconceptions about potential demand versus effective demand hinder the assessment of risks and uncertainties in the silver economy [2] - The phenomenon of elderly individuals being unable to afford services or finding suitable services remains a significant issue [2] Characteristics of Silver Economy Development - The silver economy in China exhibits multi-layered and heterogeneous demand, with varying economic conditions and consumption behaviors across different elderly demographics and regions [3] - By 2035, it is anticipated that China will enter a stage of severe aging, further driving the need for diverse silver economy services [3] Strategic Recommendations - The development of the silver economy should leverage both public and private consumption resources, integrating government support with private sector engagement [6] - Policies should be optimized to facilitate demand release, transitioning from a government-led approach to a collaborative model involving both industry and service sectors [7] - A focus on technological innovation and the establishment of a comprehensive industrial chain is essential for sustainable growth in the silver economy [8][9]
优化银发经济发展路径 破解“政策热、市场难”
Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-07-10 18:30