Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for the Sustainable Development of the Senior Care Industry

As China's population ages, the issue of elder care has become a focal point of societal concern. By 2020, the population aged 60 and above exceeded 264 million, accounting for 18.7% of the total population, with projections suggesting this could rise to approximately 35% by 2050. This demographic shift poses significant challenges to the senior care industry, which must adapt to the growing demand for services that are efficient, personalized, and integrated with healthcare resources. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technology presents new opportunities to enhance service quality and efficiency in the senior care sector.

The 21st century has seen a rapid increase in the aging population in China, with the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older rising from 7% to 14% in just 22 years. This accelerated aging process has profound implications for the economy and society, affecting labor markets, social security systems, and healthcare services. As the elderly population grows, so does the complexity of their health needs, necessitating innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by this demographic trend.

AI technology offers numerous opportunities for the senior care industry, including enhanced service personalization, reduced operational costs, and improved service delivery efficiency. However, challenges such as the digital divide, privacy concerns, and ethical implications must be addressed. Ensuring that elderly individuals can effectively utilize AI technologies is crucial for maximizing the benefits of these advancements.

To effectively integrate AI into the senior care industry, a comprehensive approach is necessary. This includes establishing intelligent health monitoring systems, promoting smart home technologies, developing social and entertainment applications, and providing intelligent nursing and rehabilitation services. These initiatives aim to create a holistic ecosystem that enhances the quality of life for the elderly while ensuring their safety and well-being.

This study underscores the importance of AI technology in addressing the challenges of an aging population in China. By proposing a strategic framework for the development of intelligent senior care services, it aims to enhance service quality, reduce costs, and provide personalized care solutions. Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of AI applications in senior care and exploring optimization strategies to further advance the industry's transformation.