央广财评丨释放银发消费潜力 激活内需增长新引擎

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has initiated a pilot program for elderly care service consumption subsidies, distributing 1.16 billion yuan in the first batch, aimed at alleviating the burden on families caring for disabled elderly individuals and stimulating the elderly care service market [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Implementation - The Ministry of Civil Affairs has announced the distribution of 36.51 million elderly care consumption vouchers to disabled elderly individuals, marking the first nationwide subsidy program for those with moderate to severe disabilities [1]. - The subsidy policy is designed to target elderly individuals based on their disability level, ensuring that resources are allocated to those with the highest care needs [1]. Group 2: Market Demand and Supply - The issuance of consumption vouchers is expected to optimize the structure of elderly care service supply, guiding resources towards areas of high demand [2]. - The current elderly care service market in China, while having significant potential, is still in its early development stages, and the consumption vouchers will help stimulate market demand and encourage investment in service supply [2]. - The consumption vouchers cover various types of elderly care services, including long-term and short-term institutional care, day care, and home care, supporting the development of diverse service offerings [2]. Group 3: Demographic Trends - By the end of 2024, the elderly population aged 60 and above in China is projected to reach 310 million, accounting for 22% of the total population, with those aged 65 and above reaching 220 million, or 15.6% [2]. - The increasing life expectancy and deepening population aging are contributing to the growth of the silver economy, which is becoming a crucial area for domestic demand expansion and consumption promotion [2].