(CLO) China has just announced plans to deploy a fleet of "silver trains" by 2027 as part of a strategy to deal with the country's rapidly aging population.
It is a cross-ministerial initiative to accommodate the fact that about 20% of China’s population is now 60 or older, moving the country closer to the “super-aged society” model of Japan and South Korea. The aging population has raised concerns about China’s economic future.
In response, the Chinese government has adjusted the legal retirement age for the first time in decades and pledged to invest more in the “silver economy” – focusing on robotics and modern solutions to improve the quality of elderly care.
High-speed railway in Fuzhou, China. (Photo: GI)
These special trains will be designed to suit the needs of the elderly, including comfortable beds, adaptive toilets, oxygen tanks, emergency call buttons and professional medical staff.
According to the Global Times, the travel trend of China's elderly is gradually changing from just sightseeing to deeper cultural experiences. The government and experts, such as Professor Zhang Lingyun, have praised the project as a "new form of tourism" that not only meets the needs of the elderly but also boosts the economy.
Experts say that China’s retirees now have the time and financial resources to travel, and businesses that cater to older travelers will benefit greatly. This is a big change from the past, when marketers focused mainly on families with young children.
Adjusting the economy is President Xi Jinping's top priority this year. He acknowledged current economic challenges in a recent article, but asserted that the country's "economic foundation remains solid."
Ha Trang (according to Newsweek)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/trung-quoc-se-som-trien-khai-doi-tau-bac-de-phuc-vu-dan-so-gia-post336691.html
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