Adapting digital technologies for easy use by seniors is a strategy the Chinese government is using in response to its rapidly aging population.
Last month, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a work plan to all IT and communications management departments in provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to promote the development of elderly-friendly digital technologies and meet seniors’ needs for digital information and services.
It was also sent to state-owned telecommunications companies including China Telecom, China Mobile Communications, China United Network Communications, China Radio and Television Network, as well as the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, industry associations and other related enterprises.
WHAT’S IN IT
The work plan outlines several targeted objectives for the next two years, including:
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having a complete standard and specification system for senior-friendly digital technologies, including universal design concepts;
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improved service experience, access and guarantees;
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a more mature industry ecosystem with deep integration and multiple collaborations; And
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balanced supply and demand.
The government wants internet applications to become more suitable for older users. It instructs the sector to make internet use safer for them by raising awareness of fraud and at the same time strengthening fraud prevention and control. It also wants to make online services more efficient and accessible by, for example, expanding 5G network coverage in rural areas.
Efforts are also being made to revise the assessment system for the suitability and accessibility of Internet applications; Support is encouraged for evaluators to conduct professional assessments of age-friendly products and services, and to investigate certifications. To make a case for applications that have successfully adapted for use by the elderly, the government aims to collect and promote more than 300 senior-friendly Internet applications.
The government plans to support companies in developing smart products for healthcare management and elderly care, and encourage and guide them to offer exclusive tariff discounts on telecommunications products and services. Collaboration is also encouraged between companies, universities, scientific research institutions and civil society organizations to develop senior-friendly technologies and secure patents.
THE GREATER CONTEXT
China, the world’s largest population, is aging at a faster pace. It is predicted that people over 60 will do this will account for 32% of the population in 2040 from 17.8% in 2020. The elderly dependency ratio, or the number of people of retirement age compared to the working age population, is also expected to rise from 18% in 2020 to 66% in 2060.