Core Viewpoint - The elderly population in China is increasingly active and engaged in digital society, with significant growth in internet usage and consumer behavior among seniors, indicating a shift in societal perceptions of aging [1][3][12]. Group 1: Internet Usage and Digital Engagement - As of June 2023, there are 161 million internet users aged 60 and above in China, with an internet penetration rate of 52.0% among this demographic [3]. - Approximately 65% of elderly internet users frequently watch live broadcasts, and over 75% have created short videos, with nearly 28% regularly posting content [6]. - About 90% of elderly users of short video apps spend an average of less than 2 hours daily on these platforms, indicating a growing trend in digital content consumption [9]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior and Spending Trends - The online shopping behavior of the elderly has evolved, with transaction volume, user numbers, and spending increasing by 238%, 187%, and 105% respectively from 2019 [12][18]. - The elderly are shifting towards purchasing products that enhance their quality of life and align with current trends, moving away from the perception of being frugal [12]. - The market for middle-aged and elderly clothing is experiencing robust growth, with a preference for comfortable and stylish apparel rather than traditional "elderly clothing" [12]. Group 3: Lifestyle and Leisure Activities - A significant portion of the elderly population is engaging in physical activities, with 26.1% of those aged 60-79 exercising regularly, a 10% increase from a decade ago [14]. - The tourism sector is seeing a rise in elderly travelers, with a 26% increase in travel train services and a notable growth in tourism revenue from elderly visitors [18]. - Concerts and live performances are increasingly attracting older audiences, with 44.5% of attendees at certain concerts being aged 50 and above, indicating a shift in the entertainment market [20].

Core Insights - The article highlights that the true driving force behind tourism consumption during the recent National Day holiday in China is not the younger generation, but rather the elderly population, referred to as the "silver-haired" group [1] Group 1: Demographic Trends - The article emphasizes that there are approximately 280 million elderly individuals in China, who are becoming a significant consumer group [1] Group 2: Consumption Patterns - The consumption upgrade and the next wave of growth in the tourism sector are being driven by the spending habits of older adults [1]