Who should care for and accompany elderly individuals living alone? How can senior citizens access more convenient services in the digital age? Authorities are now offering fresh answers to these pressing questions. In January 2026, the Ministry of Civil Affairs released guidelines on advancing scientific and technological innovation in the sector, calling for the growth of an aging-services industry focused on intelligent care robots and smart senior-care products. This initiative includes deepening national demonstrations of smart health and elderly care applications, promoting intelligent homes and smart health devices, and embedding "AI plus elderly care" within the broader "AI plus" initiative for public well-being, which is becoming a key part of the national strategy.
In Beijing, smart elderly care serves both as a crucial tool for addressing an aging population and cultivating the silver economy, and as a significant field for showcasing the city's value as an international sci-tech innovation hub. How can smart technologies empower the elderly-care sector, helping seniors integrate into society and enjoy dignified, independent, and high-quality later lives? Starting August 21, Beijing Evening News, in partnership with the Beijing Aging Industry Association and the Smart Aging Research Institute of the Beijing Academy of Science and Technology, will launch a comprehensive survey on smart elderly living. This initiative, now in its fourth year of dedicated reporting on aging issues, aims to explore this timely topic in depth.
Beijing boasts the nation's most advanced "brain," featuring artificial intelligence from Zhongguancun, robots from Yizhuang, and 5G networks spanning the entire city. Yet, within this rapidly advancing metropolis, over five million seniors are moving at a slower pace, still working to adapt to QR code payments, struggling with smart TV remotes, and feeling overwhelmed by the vast flow of information on short-video platforms. It is precisely because of this that Beijing should also nurture the warmest "heart." We hope that smart elderly care can bridge technology and expectations, ensuring that rapid innovation—far from being just a stack of hardware or a cycle of software updates—takes a step back to truly understand the genuine needs of older adults.
We envision smart solutions closing the gap between seniors and the realities of modern life—whether it's a step at a doorway or the challenge of an online hospital registration—smoothing the path to convenient living. We also hope to connect individuals with society, rescuing seniors isolated in information silos so they can be "seen" and regain a sense of purpose that may be fading. Our goal is to delve into communities, institutions, and research centers to authentically showcase the current state of Beijing's smart elderly-care industry and its applied achievements.
The implementation of smart elderly care requires participation from the entire society, as well as your voice. If you or your family members are using smart elderly-care products, we want to hear your stories. If you are a community worker or a professional in an elderly-care institution, we are eager to share your experiences. We hope that everyone can become part of the "smart living" movement.
For insights, stories, or ideas about elderly care, we invite you to reach out to our dedicated hotline at 010-85202974 or email us at xinwenguandian@126.com.