The 2024** work report proposes to strengthen the supply of goods and services for the elderly, and vigorously develop the silver economy. Previously, on January 15, China's first special policy with the theme of "silver economy" "Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy and Improving the Well-being of the Elderly" was released, so the outside world will call 2024 the "first year of the silver economy". During the two sessions of the National People's Political Consultative Conference, the silver economy has also become a topic of concern for members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. So what new opportunities will the silver economy usher in in 2024?
What is the silver-haired economy?
The silver economy is the sum total of a series of economic activities such as providing products or services to the elderly and preparing for the aging stage. The silver economy covers many fields such as elderly care services, health management, health care, and leisure tourism.
What are we missing to develop the silver economy?
1. Lack of scale: Compared with the huge market potential, the existing market size of the elderly in China is only the "tip of the iceberg".
At present, although the consumption of the elderly population in China has formed a trillion-level market, it is only a drop in the bucket compared with the population base of nearly 300 million elderly people.
How to unleash the full potential of the market? It is not only necessary to lead and call for the first end, but more importantly, to dig deep and expand the coverage of the market.
2. Lack of brand: Enterprises and activities with high brand in the field of silver economy are still in the cultivation stage.
There is no doubt that the current product development, industrial construction and industrial chain construction in the field of silver economy are in full swing, but "more than exploration, insufficient brand" is also a fact that the silver economy must face. Brand building is a necessary move to develop the silver economy.
3. Less supply: In the face of the elderly consumer groups with meticulous demand and complex classification, there is a lack of professional products to serve the elderly.
It can be said that the elderly are the most complex consumer group, and they are also the group with the most consumption possibilities and the widest range. From the perspective of physical and mental health, the elderly may face a variety of physical and psychological diseases, and there is a huge market for professional and accompanying care. In the current silver economy market, we still lack small and sophisticated products with a high degree of specialization.
4. Less security: In the initial stage of the development of the silver economy, the security of the elderly needs to be paid great attention to.
At the end of Article 26 of the Silver Economy, it is specifically proposed to "crack down on frauds related to the elderly". In recent years, elderly scams are common, so market protection needs to be taken seriously. In the face of the big cake of the "silver economy", we should also be vigilant against the emergence of "gold theft" while thinking about how to dig gold.
For the lack of silver economy,How will the country do its part?
1.Grasp the essential needs and take service care as the first starting point
After all, the elderly are the elderly, and in the process of developing the silver economy, we should add more humanistic care. It is necessary to take service and care as the first starting point and develop a warm silver economy. It is necessary to pay more attention to the elderly and other vulnerable groups in rural areas, which have a large number of elderly people but relatively weak voice and individual consumption power, so that all the elderly can "take care of their old age".
2.Pursue science and technology for good, and build a bridge for the elderly to cross the digital divide
Powered by generative AI, various technology formats and products have been or are in the process of being transformed. In this period of change, the silver economy should be given priority consideration, and the needs of the elderly group should be put in front of each other, so as to create more products that are truly suitable for the elderly, applicable and suitable for marketization.
How can older people adapt to a rapidly changing society?
1.Embrace technologyGet to grips with new technologies.
Nowadays, technology is changing with each passing day, and smart devices are emerging in large numbers, making our lives more convenient. The elderly group should continue to learn and master the use of these smart devices through a variety of ways (such as attending training courses or universities for the elderly, etc.), so as to have a deeper understanding of the development and change of society. Advocate "the old have to teach, the old have to learn, the old have fun, and the old have something to do".
2.Participate in a variety of social activities
Social activities can expand the social circle of older people, build new relationships, and give them the opportunity to get in touch with people and things. For example, participating in activities such as community welfare, volunteering or social gatherings will help them to communicate and interact with each other and fully understand the evolution and change of society.
3.Maintain physical and mental health
With the increase of age, the physical and mental state of the elderly may change to varying degrees, so it is particularly important to maintain good living habits. Measures such as regular exercise, reasonable diet and regular work and rest time are not only beneficial to maintaining physical health, but also have the significance of maintaining mental health.