Core Viewpoint - The "accompanying economy" is emerging as a new consumption model aimed at addressing the emotional needs of individuals in a fast-paced society, with a projected market size of 50 billion yuan by 2025 in China [3][4]. Group 1: Accompanying Economy Overview - The accompanying economy is characterized by various services such as accompanying for medical visits, exercise, conversations, and leisure activities, which cater to both functional and emotional needs [3][4][7]. - The rise of the accompanying economy is linked to the increasing prevalence of single and lonely individuals, creating a market for emotional support services [3][4]. Group 2: Service Types and Market Demand - Accompanying services include medical accompaniment, exercise partners, and emotional support through conversations and games, which enhance the overall experience for consumers [7][12]. - The medical accompaniment service has seen a significant demand, with a reported shortage of 120,000 accompanying professionals in Shanghai alone, indicating a growing market opportunity [10]. Group 3: Pricing and Consumer Segments - Pricing for accompanying services varies, with medical accompaniment costing around 288 yuan for half a day and 500 yuan for a full day, while exercise companionship ranges from 250 to 450 yuan depending on the time of day [8][11]. - Target consumer segments include the elderly, pregnant women, new mothers, and young individuals seeking companionship during activities [8][10]. Group 4: Future Opportunities and Trends - The accompanying economy presents vast opportunities, with key trends including understanding diverse consumer needs, enhancing service experiences, developing convenient booking systems, and promoting values of warmth and care [15][18][20]. - Companies are encouraged to innovate service delivery through technology, such as dedicated apps for booking accompanying services, to improve customer engagement and satisfaction [18]. Group 5: Industry Growth and Sustainability - The accompanying economy is positioned for significant growth, providing emotional support and flexible employment opportunities, but it requires regulation and healthy operational practices to thrive [20][22]. - Stakeholders, including consumers, service providers, and regulators, must collaborate to ensure the industry's sustainable development and to foster a positive social impact [22].

Core Insights - The rise of the "accompaniment economy" aims to address the growing sense of loneliness in modern society, with a projected market size of 50 billion yuan in China by 2025 [1][2][16] - This economy encompasses various services such as medical accompaniment, fitness companionship, and emotional support, transforming from functional to emotional needs [4][10] Group 1: Market Overview - The "accompaniment economy" is not a new concept, with early examples like Haidilao's "one-person meal" service indicating its initial emergence [2] - The market is expanding due to the increasing prevalence of single and lonely individuals, leading to a diversification of services offered [4][10] Group 2: Service Types - Medical accompaniment services help patients navigate complex healthcare processes, with fees ranging from 288 yuan for half a day to 500 yuan for a full day [5][7] - Fitness services such as "accompanying hikes" and "accompanying runs" are gaining popularity, with fees for hiking ranging from 250 to 450 yuan depending on the time of day [8][9] - Emotional support services, including online chatting and gaming companionship, provide both entertainment and emotional relief, with prices for gaming companionship typically between 10 to 30 yuan per game session [10][12] Group 3: Consumer Demand and Trends - There is a significant demand for companionship services among various demographics, including the elderly and those living alone, highlighting the emotional value these services provide [7][9] - The industry is witnessing a shift towards enhancing service experiences, with providers needing to be well-versed in their respective fields to meet customer expectations [13][15] Group 4: Future Opportunities - The industry presents vast opportunities for growth, with a focus on understanding diverse consumer needs and improving service quality [13][16] - Developing convenient service booking systems and promoting a culture of warmth and care are essential for long-term success in the accompaniment economy [15][16]