China plans to roll out “silver trains” across the country by 2027, with features and amenities specifically for the elderly.
Newsweek reported on February 28 that the “silver trains” are part of China’s plan to cope with its aging population. Accordingly, these trains will be designed with amenities such as beds and toilets specifically for the elderly. There will also be oxygen tanks, emergency call buttons and a team of well-trained medical staff.
China's high-speed train at Wuhan station in January.
Meanwhile, the Global Times reported that silver train trips will respond to the changing travel preferences of seniors, focusing on extensive cultural experiences. This is also considered a type of economy that China is investing resources in, the “silver economy”, with the development of technology to modernize elderly care, along with service models aimed at this group. Currently, about 1 in 5 Chinese people are over 60 years old.
Some economists argue that retirees have the time and financial resources for travel experiences, so building infrastructure and facilities focused on seniors can generate revenue for localities that host older visitors.
GA Donovan, from the US-based China Research Center, told Newsweek that many businesses in China are targeting an older demographic, a big change from the previous generation, when China had a one-child policy and families would devote the majority of their investment resources to their only child.
However, Mr. Donovan commented that the "silver economy" in China is a temporary trend and China will still need extensive economic policies to maintain the growth target of about 5% GDP.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/co-gi-dac-biet-ve-nhung-chuyen-tau-bac-cua-trung-quoc-185250301112200501.htm
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