家具适老化让养老变“享老”

Core Insights - The National Standard for "Aging-Friendly Furniture Design Guidelines" has been approved and will be implemented on February 1, 2026, aiming to enhance the compatibility of furniture products with the needs of the elderly and improve their quality of life [1] Industry Overview - The aging population in China is rapidly increasing, with projections indicating that by the end of 2024, there will be 310 million people aged 60 and above, accounting for 22% of the total population [1] - The demand for safe, convenient, and comfortable living environments is rising among the elderly, prompting furniture companies to seize market opportunities by launching products tailored to this demographic [1] - Approximately 45,000 companies in China are involved in the aging-friendly furniture sector, with over 7,200 new companies established this year, reflecting an 18.6% year-on-year growth [1] Market Characteristics - The majority of companies in the aging-friendly furniture industry are relatively new, indicating that the market is still in its early development stage [2] - The industry exhibits a diverse and rapidly evolving ecosystem, with companies transitioning from traditional furniture manufacturing, extending their services to home renovation, or integrating smart technologies into furniture design [2] Challenges and Growth Issues - There are significant growth challenges within the aging-friendly furniture sector, including a lack of proper understanding among consumers regarding what constitutes aging-friendly design [3] - Many consumers mistakenly equate aging-friendly furniture with basic modifications, failing to recognize the importance of addressing psychological and emotional needs [3] - The market is also plagued by low-quality products and "pseudo-aging-friendly" items due to the entry of inexperienced companies lacking professional design and construction teams [3] Importance of Standards - The introduction of the "Guidelines" is crucial as it provides comprehensive requirements for furniture design, covering aspects such as color, structure, safety, and smart features [4] - The guidelines aim to shift the industry focus from merely accommodating to precisely adapting to the needs of the elderly, offering clear directions for manufacturers and helping consumers identify quality products [4] Future Development - To fully realize the potential of the aging-friendly furniture industry, collaboration across policy, market, and social dimensions is essential [5] - Policies could include certification incentives for products that exceed basic standards, while market initiatives might involve creating experience zones for elderly consumers [5] - Socially, media campaigns are needed to reshape perceptions of aging-friendly furniture as a means to enhance quality of life rather than merely catering to health issues [5]