China is the fastest-aging country in the world. As of the end of last year, the population aged 65 and older stood at approximately 220 million, accounting for 15.6% of the country’s total population. In just over two decades, the nation has transitioned from an “aged society” (14% or more of the population aged 65+) to the brink of a “super-aged society” (20% or more). Such rapid demographic shifts typically lead to economic crises. However, China is leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform this crisis into a new growth opportunity.
Notable is the scale of China’s robot utilization. According to the International Federation of Robotics, IFR, in 2023, China accounted for over half (51%) of global industrial robot installations, with this share rising to approximately 54% last year. Additionally, the country’s robot density—robots per 10,000 manufacturing employees—reached 470 units, ranking third globally, surpassing Germany (429) and Japan (419). While a “population powerhouse,” China is also becoming a “robot powerhouse.”
The Chinese government is integrating these technological strengths with its silver industry. The State Council has elevated the silver industry to a national strategic priority, unveiling a roadmap to establish a technology-driven nationwide elderly care service system by 2035. The intent is clear: to address shortages in medical and care services through robots and AI. In Beijing and Shanghai, smart care robots are being piloted to monitor seniors’ health data in real time, prepare meals, and engage in conversations, with such services expanding rapidly.
Academic research supports this approach. A study by the University of Southern California, USC, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, PNAS, recently concluded that “AI can provide emotional support, giving people the sense of being ‘listened to.’” This suggests AI robots could play a vital role in addressing not only physical needs but also the loneliness and emotional demands of the elderly. Technology, in other words, may partially replace “emotional labor.”
China is now expanding robot adoption across households and communities while establishing standardized systems. Financial support is also aligning with this push: in August, the People’s Bank of China introduced loan policies for elderly welfare, strengthening funding for care service companies. This underscores how the silver economy is emerging not just as a welfare measure but as a growth industry.
Ethical and cultural debates over robot-assisted elderly care are inevitable. Balancing traditional family-based care with technological reliance remains a challenge. Yet, China’s pace and direction in turning an aging crisis into an opportunity offer valuable insights. South Korea, despite boasting world-class medical and IT infrastructure, still lacks a strategic approach to viewing aging as an “industrial opportunity.” China’s example demonstrates that an aging society need not be a crisis but a starting point for new industries.
Key Developments in China’s Aging Society
- Rapid Demographic Shifts: China’s population aged 65 and older has grown significantly, moving from an aged society to a super-aged society within two decades.
- Robot Utilization: China leads globally in industrial robot installations, with a high robot density compared to other major economies.
- Government Strategy: The State Council has prioritized the silver industry, aiming to create a tech-driven elderly care system by 2035.
- Technological Integration: Smart care robots are being used in cities like Beijing and Shanghai to monitor health, prepare meals, and engage in conversation.
- Research Support: Studies suggest that AI can provide emotional support, helping to address both physical and emotional needs of the elderly.
- Financial Incentives: New loan policies support the elderly welfare sector, reinforcing the growth potential of the silver economy.
- Cultural Challenges: Ethical concerns and the balance between family care and technology remain ongoing issues.
Global Implications and Lessons Learned
China’s approach to managing its aging population through robotics and AI offers a model for other countries facing similar challenges. By transforming an aging crisis into an opportunity, China is demonstrating how technology can drive economic growth and improve quality of life for the elderly. Other nations, such as South Korea, could benefit from adopting a similar strategic perspective on aging as an industrial opportunity rather than a purely social or economic problem.
As China continues to invest in robotics and AI, it is likely to set new standards for elderly care worldwide. The integration of technology into daily life, supported by government policies and financial incentives, highlights the potential for innovation in addressing the needs of an aging population. With continued advancements, the future of elderly care may increasingly rely on the seamless collaboration between humans and machines.
