On 14 January 2026, China’s government, working through eight agencies including the Ministry of Civil Affairs (MCA), the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), unveiled 14 new measures designed to strengthen eldercare businesses and boost the country’s growing “silver economy”. This term refers to industries and services that cater to the needs of older people, ranging from healthcare and smart technology to leisure and lifestyle. The announcement builds on a 2024 State Council guideline, which set out 26 broader steps for developing the silver economy. Unlike those earlier plans, however, the latest measures are focused on driving high‑quality growth in eldercare services, reflecting the challenges and opportunities created by China’s rapidly ageing population.
The policy, entitled “Several Measures on Cultivating Elderly Care Business Entities and Promoting the Silver Economy”, was announced at a Tuesday press briefing by the Ministry.
Background and rationale of the policy:
By 2026, China’s population aged 60 and over will have reached around 310 million, underscoring a major demographic shift that calls for stronger eldercare systems. The country’s “silver economy ” officials argue that the new measures are crucial for tackling the challenges of an ageing society, improving the well‑being of older people, driving fresh sources of growth, and boosting domestic demand. At a press conference, Li Banghua of the Ministry of Civil Affairs explained that the policy aims to build an eldercare system suited to China’s circumstances, while using the silver economy as a driver of economic vitality. Li Changan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, added that shifting consumption habits among the elderly could unlock vast opportunities in eldercare services.
Industrial Value of the Silver Economy:
Industries and services designed for older citizens, from healthcare and smart devices to leisure is currently valued at about 7 trillion yuan (£780 billion), making up roughly 6% of GDP. Projections suggest it could rise to 30 trillion yuan by 2035, or around 10% of GDP.
The policy dovetails with earlier financial guidelines issued in December 2024 by bodies such as the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which focused on building old‑age finance systems, including specialised financial units and innovative funding for elderly infrastructure and smart technologies. It also complements regional initiatives, notably Guangdong’s “20 Measures for the Silver Hair Economy”, which highlight township‑level care centres and services such as full‑time care and day programmes. Taken together, the national and local efforts aim to turn China’s ageing population into an economic opportunity, paving the way for new industrial parks, greater investment, and breakthroughs in fields like anti‑ageing biotechnology and smart homes.