Unlocking China’s Elderly Market解锁中国老年市场

朱莉娅·因泰雷斯/文　赵敏/译

With an aging population that surpasses 269 million people aged 60 and above， accounting for nearly 21.1 percent of the total population， Chinas silver economy is witnessing remarkable growth.

中国 60 岁及以上老年人口超过2.69 亿，占总人口的近21.1%，银发经济发展势头迅猛。

In this article， we discuss the distinct characteristics of this market， along with its projected growth and investment potential.

在本文中，我们讨论老年市场的显著特点及其预期增长和投资潜力。

Chinas silver economy

中国的银发经济

The term “silver economy” encompasses the economic activities related to the aging population and addresses their specific needs and preferences. It recognizes the growing consumer demand from older individuals and focuses on sectors that cater to their requirements， promoting their well-being and quality of life.

“银发经济”一词涵盖了与老龄人口相关的经济活动，旨在满足他们的特殊需求和偏好。它认识到老年人日益增长的消费需求，并关注满足他们需求的行业，促进他们的福祉和生活质量。

As a result of increasing life expectancy， China is experiencing a shifting population pyramid. United Nations data reveals that in 2022， the proportion of people aged over 60 in China reached 280.04 million， up from 267.36 million people （or 18.9 percent of the total population） from the previous year. The average annual growth rate of the population aged 65 and above is 2.37 percent， increasing from 3.7 percent in 1960 to 11.97 percent in 2020.

随着预期寿命的延长，中国正经历着人口金字塔的转换。联合国数据显示，2022 年，中国 60 岁以上老年人口从上年的2.6736 亿人（占总人口的18.9%）增加到2.8004 亿人。65 岁及以上人口的年均增长率为2.37%，从1960 年的3.7%增至2020 年的11.97%。

The “new” elderly： changes in attitude

“新”老人：态度的转变

Chinas older generation has undergone a noticeable transformation in recent years， displaying a departure from their traditional reputation for frugality and home-centered lifestyles focused on grandchild care. Instead， the “new” older generation now possesses both financial resources and leisure time， demonstrating a more adventurous and resourceful approach to enjoying their golden years.

近年来，中国的老一代人经历了明显的转变，一改传统的节俭和以照顾孙辈为中心的生活方式。取而代之的是，“新”老人现在既有经济实力，又有闲暇时间，在享受晚年生活方面表现出更多的冒险精神和人生智慧。

This shift can be attributed to a heightened emphasis on health consciousness and a desire to maintain a youthful appearance. Older individuals are actively investing in healthy foods and supplements， with health supplements ranking high on the wish lists of Chinese tourists and being popular gifts among older people in China.

這一转变可归因于人们增强了健康意识并渴望保持年轻样貌。老年人现在积极投资健康食品和保健品，保健品在中国游客的愿望清单上名列前茅，也是深受中国老年人喜爱的礼物。

Additionally， both men and women in this generation seek to appear younger by dyeing their hair and availing themselves of beauty treatments. In addition to these aesthetic procedures， this cohort is also purchasing more cosmetics and jewelry， benefiting both domestic and foreign luxury brands. Further， the increased wealth of the older generation has stimulated growth in wealth management， financial planning， and insurance sectors. With greater savings and disposable income， this generation has a greater demand for services that safeguard their financial well-being in retirement and facilitate the transfer of wealth to future generations.

此外，这一代的男性和女性都希望通过染发和美容来显得更年轻。除了美容，这一代人还购买更多的化妆品和珠宝，使国内外奢侈品牌大为受益。此外，老一代人财富的增加也刺激了财富管理、财务规划和保险行业的增长。这一代人拥有更多的储蓄和可支配收入，因此他们对保障退休后的财务状况和促进财富向后代转移的服务有更大的需求。

Elderly individuals preferences regarding retirement have undergone noticeable changes， as more of them are now choosing to spend their later years in senior homes instead of relying on their children for care. This shift is primarily driven by the desire for a comfortable and hassle-free lifestyle. These homes cater to their needs and provide a high standard of living. They are often constructed by real estate companies， specifically designed for older consumers， and offer a range of amenities and services tailored to their preferences.

老年人对退休生活的偏好发生了明显的变化，越来越多的老年人选择在养老院安度晚年，而不再依赖子女的照顾。这种转变主要是出于对舒适清静生活方式的向往。养老院可以满足他们的需求，并提供高标准的生活。它们通常由房地产公司建造，专为老年消费者设计，并根据他们的喜好提供一系列便利设施和服务。

Additionally， to meet the demand for upscale senior facilities， some former upscale hotels in suburban areas have been transformed into luxury senior homes， providing a sophisticated and elegant environment for retirees to enjoy their golden years.

此外，为了满足老年人对高档养老机构的需求，一些位于郊区的原高档酒店也被改造成了豪华养老院，为退休人员提供一个精致优雅的环境，让他们可以安享晚年。

Consumption patterns of Chinas elderly population

中國老年人口的消费模式

The main consumption patterns of Chinas elderly population can be grouped into two categories： daily consumption （39.1 percent） and health-related consumption （40.9 percent）. When it comes to health consumption， the silver-haired population is not only concerned about healthcare but also increasingly emphasizes disease prevention.

中国老年人口的主要消费模式可分为两类：日常消费（39.1%）和健康相关消费（40.9%）。在健康消费方面，银发人群不仅关注医疗保健，而且越来越重视疾病预防。

In relation to this， preventive health services， such as physical examinations， will have significant room for growth. It is evident that regular physical examinations require a certain amount of time， economic costs， and medical support. Therefore， the high-income population in first- and second-tier cities can sustain regular physical examinations for a longer period of time due to their subjective willingness and objective conditions.

与此相关，体检等预防性保健服务将有很大的发展空间。显然，定期体检需要一定的时间、经济成本和医疗支持。因此，由于主观愿意和客观有条件，一二线城市的高收入人群可以较长时间地坚持定期体检。

Key sectors and opportunities within Chinas silver economy

中國银发经济的主要领域和机遇

Eldercare and senior home facilities

老年护理机构和养老院

Chinas silver economy places significant importance on eldercare services and facilities， which are essential for supporting and caring for the elderly population. This encompasses a wide range of services， including nursing homes， assisted living facilities， home care services， and rehabilitation centers. Chinas eldercare market is predicted to reach US$800 billion by 2025 and to exceed US$3 trillion by 2030.

中国的银发经济非常重视老年人护理服务和设施，这对于抚养和照顾老年人口至关重要。这包括养老院、安养照护机构、家庭护理服务和康复中心等多种服务。预计到 2025 年，中国的老年护理市场规模将达到8000 亿美元，到2030 年将超过3 万亿美元。

Country Garden Holdings， a prominent real estate developer， has also entered the eldercare sector by constructing senior care facilities， assisted living apartments， and medical centers. Orpea Group， a European company specializing in elderly care， operates a network of nursing homes and assisted living facil-ities in China， offering a range of services and specialized care for the elderly.

著名的房地产开发商碧桂园控股也已进入养老护理领域。它建造了老年护理机构、辅助生活公寓和医疗中心。欧葆庭集团是一家专门从事老年护理的欧洲公司，在中国运营着多家养老院和安养照护机构，为老年人提供各种服务和专业护理。

Elder medical devices and technology

老年医疗器械和技术

Another key sector of Chinas silver economy is represented by the development and application of medical devices and technology tailored for the elderly. One notable area of development is the adoption of remote monitoring systems. These systems utilize cutting-edge technology to enable healthcare professionals to remotely monitor the vital signs and health status of elderly individuals， providing real-time feedback and intervention when necessary.

中国银发经济的另一个关键领域是开发和应用为老年人量身定制的医疗设备和技术。其中一个值得注意的发展领域是远程监控系统的采用。这些系统利用尖端技术，使医护人员能够远程监测老年人的生命体征和健康状况，并在必要时提供实时反馈和干预。

This not only ensures prompt medical attention but also allows older adults to maintain their independence and age comfortably in their own homes.

这不仅能确保及时的医疗护理，还能让老年人保持独立，在自己家中安享晚年。

Elder products and lifestyle needs

老年产品和生活形态需求

Elder products and lifestyle needs are important components of Chinese seniors spending habits.

老年产品和生活形态需求是中国老年人消费习惯的重要组成部分。

The demand for home modifications that ensure accessibility and safety for the elderly is on the rise. These modifications encompass the installation of features like handrails， ramps， and grab bars， as well as the adaptation of bathrooms and kitchens to accommodate mobility challenges. By creating age-friendly living spaces， older individuals can enjoy enhanced independence and navigate their homes comfortably.

为确保老年人生活环境的无障碍和安全性，对住宅改造的需求正在不断增加。这些改造包括安装扶手、坡道和抓杆等设施，以及改造浴室和厨房以顾及老年人的行动不便。通过创造对老年人友好的生活空间，老年人可以享受更高的獨立性并舒适地在家中随意走动。

Assistive technologies play a vital role in the silver economy， providing practical solutions to support the elderly in their daily lives. This includes devices like mobility aids， hearing amplifiers， vision enhancement tools， and smart home automation systems.

辅助技术在银发经济中发挥着重要作用，为老年人的日常生活提供了实用的解决方案。这包括助行器、助听器、视力增强工具和智能家居自动化系统等设备。

Culture and entertainment for the elderly

老年文化娱乐

Acknowledging the significance of social engagement， mental stimulation， and cultural experiences in enhancing the well-being of the elderly， the culture and entertainment sector has also emerged as a key component of Chinas silver economy.

鉴于社会参与、精神激励和文化体验对提高老年人福祉的重要意义，文化娱乐行业也已成为中国银发经济的重要组成部分。

This sector is dedicated to offering a diverse array of activities， events， and entertainment options tailored to the unique preferences and needs of older individuals. Organized tours are a popular feature of the culture and entertainment sector， allowing seniors to explore various destinations and engage in enriching experiences.

文化娱乐行业致力于根据老年人的独特喜好和需求，为他们提供适合的各种活动、项目和娱乐选择。组团旅游是文化娱乐行业的一大特色，老年人可以借此探索不同的目的地，获得丰富的体验。

Social clubs offer a platform for older individuals to connect， share experiences， and engage in meaningful conversations. They often organize social gatherings， group activities， and educational sessions， creating a supportive environment where seniors can form new friendships and maintain an active social life.

社交俱乐部为老年人提供了一个交流、分享经验和进行有意义对话的平台。这些俱乐部经常会组织社交聚会、集体活动和教育课程，为老年人结识新朋友和保持活跃的社交生活创造有利环境。

Arts and crafts workshops provide older adults with creative outlets and opportunities for self-expression. These workshops cover a wide range of artistic disciplines， including painting， calligraphy， pottery， and handicrafts. By participating in these activities， older indiv-iduals can tap into their artistic talents， stimulate their cognitive abilities， and experience a sense of accomplishment.

艺术和手工艺工作坊为老年人提供发挥创意的渠道和自我表达的机会。这些工作坊涵盖广泛的艺术门类，包括绘画、书法、陶艺和手工艺。通过参加这些活动，老年人可以发掘自己的艺术天赋，激发认知能力，并体验成就感。

Music and dance performances tailored for the elderly are also a significant component of the culture and entertainment sector. These events showcase a variety of genres and styles， ranging from traditional Chinese music to contemporary performances.

为老年人量身定制的音乐和舞蹈表演也是文化娱乐行业的重要组成部分。表演活动的类型和风格多种多样，从中国传统音乐到现代表演应有尽有。

（译者为“《英语世界》杯”翻译大赛获奖者）