China's silver consumption is rapidly shifting from basic subsistence spending to quality-oriented enjoyment consumption, a prominent industrial trend fully demonstrated at the International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare Shanghai 2026 (AID 2026).
With 323 million people aged 60 and above nationwide — 23 percent of the total population, and with 37.6 percent of Shanghai's registered population over 60, demand for smarter, safer senior care products is surging. AI-powered domestic devices are leading the industry's comprehensive upgrade, driven by technological advances and robust supply chains.
The expo — held from June 4 to 6 — showcased unprecedented AI penetration in senior care products. Hong Liang, a representative at the Shanghai Civil Affairs (Group) booth, highlighted the sector's dramatic transformation.
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"AI application in eldercare products has reached a much higher level this year. Intelligent systems enable far more powerful data analysis and adaptive adjustments than manual operations," Hong said. "Traditional electric wheelchairs can no longer meet current demands. Elderly visitors and their families now prioritize AI-powered wheelchairs and exoskeletons to solve pain points such as stair-climbing difficulties and limited mobility."
A host of newly launched intelligent mobility devices have become exhibition highlights.
Sweetrich's newly launched M6 radar intelligent mobility wheelchair, equipped with dual lidar sensors and reverse imaging systems, can automatically brake and steer to avoid barriers, adapting to narrow household spaces and crowded supermarket scenarios. Hong noted the intelligent model has gained huge market popularity for effectively reducing elderly travel risks and anxiety.
Ageronx's new omnidirectional wheelchair features 12-inch large omnidirectional wheels and an automatic locking system that activates when users stand up, preventing accidental injuries. Priced at around 10,000 yuan ($1,475), the model will be upgraded with self-developed AI obstacle-avoidance radar, according to Zhu Peng, the group's project manager.
AI exoskeletons and all-terrain robots are addressing critical mobility challenges in elevator-less older residential communities.
RoboCT operations manager Li Chongxuan said its late-2025 AI walking exoskeleton delivers adaptive uphill assistance and downhill buffering via embedded terrain-recognition chips. Built with lightweight, breathable materials, it has been in high demand since its launch.
"Previously, customers waited 57 days for delivery; now we offer next-day delivery thanks to expanded capacity," Li said, with many seniors reporting noticeable relief during walking and stair climbing.
The Xsto X13 embodied mobile robot, another star exhibit, switches to track mode to navigate 35 cm narrow passages, climb stairs and traverse rough terrain. Xsto Deputy General Manager Huang Zhou said the first batch sold out instantly after its April launch.
"Overseas sales account for 70 percent of our total volume, with products exported to more than 80 countries via global distributors," Huang said.
Hong further stressed that China's mature supply chains and AI innovation have enabled domestic assistive devices to outperform Japanese products in intelligent functions, with a leading edge set to further expand in the next five to 10 years.
Beyond mobility devices, premium rehabilitation equipment is fueling quality senior consumption growth.
For the first time, the expo launched a dedicated silver economy finance zone, where major financial institutions including ICBC, CCB and Shanghai Trust showcased elderly-oriented services such as eldercare trusts and voluntary guardianship programs, enhancing senior wealth management and rights protection.
As China's most aged megacity, Shanghai is building a full-cycle care system via talent training, policy incentives and scenario optimization. In May 2026, Shanghai included community nursing stations in hospice care training for the first time, a key shift from institutional to home-based care, said Zhu Jingwei, Shanghai Open University non-degree education director.
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Shanghai aims to train 800 hospice care professionals in 2026 and has cultivated over 30,000 senior care workers since 2024, while developing industry standards. The city offers a 100,000-yuan one-time subsidy for elderly tech scenarios, with 122 smart senior care homes already operational.
The city's first physical silver products store, operational for more than five months, fills the gap of offline elderly consumption scenarios, with a single-day sales peak of 80,000 yuan. "Many seniors prefer offline purchases despite lower online prices due to reliable after-sales services," said Ma Zhiwen, general manager of Shanghai Aging Industry Development Co Ltd, highlighting the irreplaceable value of offline services in bridging the digital divide for the elderly.
At the concurrent 2026 AID Silver Industry Innovation and Development Conference, renowned economic observer Qin Shuo noted that the shift of silver consumption from subsistence-oriented to enjoyment-oriented has become the core growth driver of China's booming silver economy.
Li Junfeng contributed to this story.
Contact the writers at heqi@chinadaily.com.cn
