新华网财经观察丨“陪伴”出来的大市场

Core Insights - The "accompanying economy" is emerging as a significant market driven by the needs of the elderly and the younger generation seeking emotional support [2][4][17] - By 2025, the market size of the "accompanying economy" in China is expected to exceed 50 billion yuan, highlighting the potential for growth in medical care and emotional support services [4] Accompanying Services - Accompanying services, such as medical accompaniment, are becoming essential for elderly patients who struggle with complex medical processes [5][7] - A report indicates that 88.54% of elderly individuals in communities face situations where family members cannot accompany them during medical visits, with this figure rising to 98.30% in nursing homes [7] Standardization and Professionalization - The Chinese Society of Welfare and Elderly Care has released the first systematic standards for elderly medical accompaniment services, covering service processes, safety protocols, and training [8] - There is a push towards standardizing and professionalizing accompanying services, including establishing certification mechanisms and service grading systems [8][12] Caregiver Shortage and Quality Issues - There is a significant shortage of qualified caregivers in China, with a projected increase in the number of disabled elderly individuals leading to rising care demands [11] - The quality of caregiving services varies widely due to a lack of standardized training, with many caregivers lacking proper qualifications [11][12] Innovative Care Models - The "no accompaniment care" model is being piloted in several cities, allowing hospitals or third-party services to take over traditional family caregiving roles [13][14] - This model aims to enhance care efficiency and clarify responsibilities, addressing the challenges posed by geographical separation between elderly patients and their families [13][14] Emotional Support Services - The younger generation is driving the demand for emotional support services, leading to the rise of "buddy culture" where individuals seek companionship for various activities [17] - Emotional support services are becoming commercialized, but the lack of industry standards raises concerns about service quality and consumer protection [17][18] Market Dynamics - The accompanying economy is creating job opportunities and new consumption patterns, but it also raises questions about service quality and regulation [18] - The balance between quality control, trust mechanisms, and operational efficiency will be crucial for companies to succeed in this emerging market [18]