Shanghai explores tech-enabled elderly care over Silver Tech Industry Week

The 2026 Shanghai Silver Tech Industry Week opened on Wednesday in Shanghai, bringing together government officials, researchers, healthcare providers and financial institutions to explore innovative pathways for technology-enabled elderly care.

"The silver economy is fundamentally an adaptive upgrade of our entire modern industrial system responding to demographic changes," said Wu Yushao, president of the China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service and deputy director of Fudan Institute on Aging, at the opening ceremony.

"The silver economy is not a new independent industry, but a comprehensive silver transformation across all sectors of society," he noted, adding that it represents the most certain and stable major industry of the future.

Sun Yuanhang, deputy chief engineer at the China Center for Information Industry Development, outlined Shanghai's pioneering four-in-one closed-loop model which integrates policy, infrastructure, scenarios and payment systems. He outlined four major trends driving the sector: the integration of technology, scenarios, services and ecosystems.

During the event, a closed-door forum featuring over 50 cross-sector experts addressed persistent bottlenecks in the industry. Participants noted that many current products are designed around technical functions rather than the actual needs of senior citizens.

To overcome these challenges, experts reached a consensus to prioritize genuine user demand, shift away from superficial technology demonstrations, and actively build scenario-verification systems across subdistricts, communities and elder-care institutions.

The event features a two-day exhibition showcasing innovations from universities and enterprises, alongside an entrepreneurship competition involving five universities aimed at accelerating commercialization.

Several key initiatives and pilot projects were launched during the opening ceremony, including Shanghai's first silver-tech scenario pilot district and AI-powered elder-care programs. Additional projects focused on active health management, safe medication practices for the elderly, and the integration of traditional wellness culture with modern antiaging technology.