随着我国人口老龄化进程加快，养老服务需求进一步增长，银发消费市场持续扩容，银发经济已经从民 生保障升级为培育经济新动能的重要抓手。从需求潜力和发展趋势来看，我国养老服务市场正迎来刚需 扩容与品质升级的双重机遇。 【光明时评】 作者：杨舸（中国社会科学院首都治理研究院特约研究员、中国社会科学院人口与劳动经济研究所副研 究员） 近日，民政部等八部门联合印发《关于培育养老服务经营主体促进银发经济发展的若干措施》（以下简 称《若干措施》），精准回应当前养老服务产业面临的机遇和挑战，提出14项举措，以系统性的政策支 撑为银发经济高质量发展提供动力。 《光明日报》（2026年02月26日 02版） [ 责编：孙宗鹤 ] 当前，银发群体总量持续增长，其规模效应驱动了医疗、健康、养老、照护等相关行业快速增长。国家 税务总局数据显示，2025年上半年，适老类家庭服务业、适老类社会看护与帮助服务业销售收入同比分 别增长14.1%、8.8%；适老类健身器材制造、康复辅具制造、营养保健食品制造销售收入同比分别增长 14.7%、12.1%、6.9%。 银发群体从"养老"转向"享老"，悦己属性显现。据统计，2025年上半年，老年旅游服务 ...

Core Insights - The report highlights the increasing aging population in Shanghai, with 37.4% of the registered population aged 60 and above by the end of 2023, projected to reach 40% by 2030, making the silver economy a significant growth driver across various sectors including healthcare, finance, and technology [1][2][11]. Demographic Analysis - By the end of 2023, Shanghai's elderly population includes 5.68 million aged 60 and above, accounting for 37.4% of the total population, and 4.38 million aged 65 and above, representing 28.8% [11][17]. - The aging trend is expected to accelerate, with projections indicating that by 2040-2050, 44.5% of the population will be aged 60 and above, surpassing Japan's 42.7% [16]. Consumption Capacity and Willingness - 72.86% of the elderly receive pensions exceeding 5,000 yuan, with over half spending more than 55% of their income [42][44]. - 64.29% of the elderly express occasional willingness to spend, while 27.14% show strong consumption intent [48]. Consumption Preferences - The primary consumption areas for the elderly include chronic disease medication (71.43%), dining out (61.43%), and travel (55.71%) [50]. - When purchasing, elderly consumers prioritize product functionality, practicality, price, and opinions from their children [52]. Market Trends and Innovations - The silver economy is witnessing innovative practices such as senior-friendly shopping mall renovations, the introduction of exoskeleton robots, customized travel services, and community-based health services [2][9]. - Smart elderly care products are in high demand, particularly life assistance and health monitoring AI products, with most preferring prices below 5,000 yuan [61]. Policy Support - National and local policies are being implemented to support the development of the silver economy, focusing on key industry growth and nurturing business entities [2][28]. - Shanghai's government has introduced measures to accelerate the development of diverse elderly care services, smart elderly products, and financial services tailored for seniors [33][34].

Core Insights - The report from the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences highlights that the aging population in Shanghai is significant, with 5.68 million residents aged 60 and above, accounting for 37.4% of the total population. The silver economy is evolving from basic support to quality consumption, becoming a new engine for economic growth [1][14][19]. Aging Population Overview - Shanghai's aging population is characterized by a large scale and high degree of aging, with projections indicating that by 2030, the aging rate will reach 40% [1][18]. - As of the end of 2023, the number of elderly individuals receiving urban employee basic pensions is 4.67 million, representing 82.3% of the elderly population, with an average monthly pension of 5,470 yuan [19][20]. Consumption Capacity and Willingness - A significant portion of the elderly population, 72.86%, has a pension exceeding 5,000 yuan, with over half of their monthly expenditures exceeding 55% of their income [1][48]. - The main consumption categories include chronic disease medication (71.43%), dining out (61.43%), and travel (55.71%), with product functionality, practicality, and price being key decision factors [1][52]. Consumption Preferences and Trends - 64.29% of the elderly express some willingness to spend, with 27.14% showing strong willingness. Online consumption accounts for 38.57% of their spending [1][48]. - The report indicates a growing interest in quality consumption and experiential spending among the elderly, with 92% having travel experiences in the past year [1][62]. Industry Development and Challenges - The report identifies significant innovations in consumption scenarios, such as the transformation of shopping malls to cater to the elderly and the introduction of smart elderly care devices [2][11]. - Challenges include long approval cycles for smart elderly care devices, low utilization rates, and a mismatch between supply and demand in elderly care services [2][11]. Policy Guidance and Recommendations - The report suggests four key development recommendations: designing a layered product system to meet diverse needs, leveraging technology for smart elderly care, activating market demand through fiscal subsidies, and enhancing consumer protection in elderly financial products [2][11]. - The silver economy is expected to evolve towards precision, intelligence, and quality, unlocking greater consumption potential [2][11].

Group 1 - The core of the silver economy includes "for the elderly economy," "preparation for the elderly economy," and "utilizing the elderly economy," which helps to better explore the potential of the silver economy [1][2] - By 2050, the market size for the consumption of the elderly population aged 60 and above in China is expected to exceed 100 trillion yuan [1] - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the development of the silver economy and the active utilization of elderly human resources, providing direction for industrial innovation and market development [1] Group 2 - The silver economy must focus on "age-appropriate" services, enhancing the rights and interests of the elderly, and ensuring their sense of gain, happiness, and security [2] - There is a significant demand for elderly care workers, with a reported need for 6 million positions, while only 500,000 are currently filled, highlighting a skills gap in the workforce [2] - The development of the silver economy requires a deep integration of industry and education to attract more talent and address the challenges in the elderly care sector [2] Group 3 - The elderly are vulnerable to commercial fraud and misleading consumption, facing challenges such as high-priced health products and deceptive investment schemes [3] - Establishing protective measures, such as "green channels" for consumer rights and consumer warning lists, is essential to maintain market order and consumer confidence [3] - A collaborative effort is needed to create a "Protect the Elderly Alliance" to ensure the well-being of the elderly and promote a thriving silver economy [3]

Core Insights - The forum highlighted the unique advantages and development potential of the senior economy in Chengdu, particularly in Dujiangyan and Dayi County [1][2][3] Group 1: Dujiangyan City - Dujiangyan focuses on "high-end elderly care + travel care" with four core advantages: ecology, culture, location, and policy [1] - The city has developed a senior economy brand centered on "healthcare + travel care," with total investments exceeding 9.2 billion in four key projects: high-end elderly care, smart medical care, traditional Chinese medicine care, and special dietary foods [1] - In 2024, Dujiangyan is expected to attract over 2 million elderly tourists, leading to an 18% increase in tourism consumption and creating over 3,000 jobs [1] Group 2: Dayi County - Dayi County boasts rich health and tourism resources, with a unique geographical structure that includes a significant elevation difference of nearly 5,000 meters [2] - The county has a forest coverage rate of 56.31% and a park green space coverage rate of 82.45%, making it a top destination for tourism and sports [2] - Dayi aims to develop a silver industry scale of 5 billion by 2030, covering various sectors such as elderly services, health tourism, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and senior tourism [2] Group 3: Strategic Planning - The clear top-level design from Chengdu is reflected in the "Three-Year Action Plan for Optimizing and Strengthening the Senior Economy Key Industrial Chain (2025-2027)," which aims to create a national-level senior economy industrial park [3] - The collaborative development of Dujiangyan and Dayi in the senior economy aligns with Chengdu's strategic deployment for the senior economy [3]

Core Viewpoint - The APEC meeting in South Korea will address the significant demographic changes in the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on transforming demographic challenges into economic opportunities through regional cooperation [1][2]. Demographic Changes - The proportion of individuals aged 60 and above in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to rise from 15.1% in 2024 to approximately 25% by 2050, indicating a significant demographic shift [3]. - South Korea is expected to enter a "super-aged society" by 2024, with over 20.2% of its population aged 65 and older, while its total fertility rate is projected to drop to between 0.72 and 0.75, marking a historical low [2][3]. Economic Implications - The demographic transition presents both challenges and opportunities for economic restructuring, necessitating reforms to foster new growth drivers and sustainable prosperity [3][4]. - Industries such as traditional manufacturing may face pressure to relocate to regions with younger populations, while sectors related to healthcare, elder care, and technology are anticipated to experience significant growth [4][10]. Policy Responses - Various countries are implementing policies to address declining birth rates, with South Korea reporting a 7.4% increase in births in the first half of the year, attributed to government support measures [6]. - Spain has also seen a positive trend in birth rates due to family support policies, including extended parental leave and enhanced childcare services [7]. Regional Cooperation - The integration of artificial intelligence and demographic change discussions at the APEC meeting highlights the need for collaborative solutions to labor shortages and the creation of new economic opportunities [9]. - The diversity in demographic challenges across Asia-Pacific countries can be leveraged for mutual benefits through labor mobility, capital collaboration, and technology exchange [10].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of elderly individuals as valuable assets to society, highlighting the need for their well-being, rights protection, and active participation in community life, as advocated by President Xi Jinping [2][7]. Group 1: Elderly Engagement and Contribution - Elderly individuals are encouraged to maintain a positive mindset and contribute to society, with initiatives in various regions aimed at harnessing their experience and wisdom [2][9]. - The "Silver Age Action" program has seen over 7 million elderly volunteers participating in more than 4,000 assistance projects, benefiting over 400 million people [9]. Group 2: Education and Technology for the Elderly - The introduction of AI and technology courses in elderly education is gaining popularity, with many seniors actively engaging in learning new skills [11][16]. - The expansion of educational offerings, including mobile photography and multimedia production, reflects a growing demand for modern learning among the elderly [13][16]. Group 3: Silver Economy and Tourism - The "Silver Tourism Special Train" initiative caters to the needs of elderly travelers, providing tailored services and experiences that enhance their travel enjoyment [18][20]. - The development of the silver economy is being promoted through various initiatives, including specialized products and services aimed at improving the quality of life for the elderly [22].

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant economic contributions of the elderly population in China, challenging stereotypes about their consumption habits and capabilities [1][7] - It emphasizes the shift from traditional views of elderly spending to a more dynamic engagement in various sectors, including technology and experiential consumption [3][5] Group 1: Economic Contributions - Elderly-related tax revenue increased by 28% year-on-year in the first half of the year, surpassing growth rates in other sectors like live-streaming e-commerce [1][6] - The number of elderly individuals engaging in education and new skills has surged, with a 120% increase in registrations for senior education programs [1][3] - Spending on smart devices by seniors rose by 47%, with significant interest in online stock trading and virtual tourism [3][4] Group 2: Changing Consumption Patterns - The elderly are moving towards experience-based consumption, with a 35% increase in the tourism market, while group tours have dropped to 20% of the market [3][4] - There is a notable rise in elderly participation in gaming, with older players showing higher engagement than younger demographics [3][4] - The demand for "age-friendly" products and services is growing, with a 210% increase in tax revenue from companies focused on adapting products for seniors [5][6] Group 3: Employment and Entrepreneurship - There has been a notable increase in tax filings from seniors, with 230,000 new taxpayers over 60, 30% of whom are re-entering the workforce [4][6] - Seniors are increasingly taking on entrepreneurial roles, with examples of successful businesses run by retirees outpacing younger counterparts [4][5] - The concept of "skills-based retirement" is gaining traction, with many seniors seeking meaningful work rather than traditional retirement roles [4][5] Group 4: Market Dynamics and Challenges - The article points out the rise of scams targeting the elderly, with a 180% increase in financial fraud cases related to retirement investments [6][7] - There is a significant digital divide, with only 12% of elderly individuals in rural areas engaging in online consumption compared to 68% in urban settings [6][7] - The need for businesses to adapt to the preferences and habits of older consumers is emphasized, moving beyond simplistic adaptations like larger text sizes [7][8]

Core Insights - The elderly tourism market in China is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing elderly population, with projections indicating that by the end of 2024, the population aged 60 and above will exceed 300 million, accounting for 22% of the total population [1][6][9] - The market size for elderly tourism is expected to reach 1.67 trillion yuan in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 18.8% [22] - Government policies are actively supporting the development of elderly tourism, including financial subsidies and tax incentives for tourism companies to create products and services tailored for the elderly [9][11] Industry Overview - Elderly tourism refers to the tourism industry targeting consumers aged 60 and above, characterized by a preference for in-depth travel experiences and longer trips [2][4] - The elderly tourism industry has developed a comprehensive supply chain encompassing accommodation, transportation, attractions, entertainment, and shopping [4] Market Demand - The increasing number of elderly individuals is driving demand for tourism services, with the elderly population's consumption patterns shifting from basic necessities to diverse areas such as cultural entertainment and health management [8][20] - In the consumption structure of the elderly demographic, leisure travel activities dominate, accounting for 57% of their spending [20] Policy Support - The Chinese government has introduced various policies to promote elderly tourism, including the launch of special tourism trains and the development of tourism products that cater to the elderly [9][11][12] - Local governments are also implementing initiatives to enhance elderly tourism, such as improving facilities for elderly travelers and promoting cultural and health tourism [12][13] Current Trends - The elderly tourism market is transitioning from a niche to a mainstream market, with elderly travelers now representing over 20% of the total tourism population [18] - The rise of the "self-care economy" is leading to increased willingness to spend on travel, with per capita domestic tourism expenditure reaching a historical high in 2024 [16][22] Future Outlook - The elderly tourism industry is expected to evolve towards diversification, high-end offerings, and personalized experiences, with a growing preference for slow-paced and experiential travel [24] - Technological advancements will play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience for elderly consumers, with applications of AI and other technologies in monitoring safety and health during travel [24]

Core Insights - The third Aging Industry Development Forum will be held on May 28 in Beijing, focusing on the development trends of the silver economy and exploring high-quality development paths for the aging industry [2][5] - The forum will feature speeches from government officials, experts, and industry representatives, discussing various aspects of the silver economy and its potential [2][7] Group 1: Forum Details - The forum is co-hosted by the China Aging Industry Association and the Beijing News, with a theme centered on "New Services, New Business Models, New Trends: Silver Economy Consumption Driving New Development in the Aging Industry" [2] - Keynote speakers include former officials from the National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, among others [2][7] - Reports to be released at the forum include the "Standardization Development Plan for the China Aging Industry Association (2025-2030)" and the "Home Environment Aging Transformation Series Standards" [2][9] Group 2: Roundtable Discussions - The afternoon session will feature roundtable discussions on "Research on the Operation Process of Designated Guardianship" and "Development of Group Standards for Inheritance Planning Professional Competence" [3][9] - Industry professionals from trusts, insurance, and law firms will engage in cross-disciplinary dialogues during these discussions [3][9] Group 3: Key Themes and Presentations - Key themes include embracing the silver economy, the potential of elderly tourism, and the establishment of a multi-tiered pension insurance system [7][8] - Presentations will cover topics such as longevity technology empowering silver life, new skills to meet aging demands, and the role of trust mechanisms in the B-account model [8][9]