BEIJING, March 22 -- In recent years, China has witnessed a significant shift as its elderly population increasingly turns to artificial intelligence (AI) for assistance in daily living.

This transformation was evident in a Shanghai nursing home on February 26, 2025, where 89-year-old Teng Quanda engaged with a popular AI model known as DeepSeek, humorously inquiring about stock market predictions.

Such interactions are indicative of a broader trend where seniors are utilizing AI not just for advice but as companions, showcasing an adaptation to new technology that is reshaping eldercare in the country.

As of 2024, China's demographic landscape includes over 310 million individuals aged 60 and above, accounting for approximately 22 percent of the total population.

In response to this growing demographic, the Chinese government has committed to enhancing policies aimed at improving elderly care services and supporting the development of AI applications tailored for this sector.

Key initiatives have emerged from local governments aiming to harness embodied AI systems, facilitating a transition from virtual assistants to robots capable of providing physical care and support.

For instance, Chongqing and Shenzhen cities have launched funding programs to foster the advancement of these technologies.

The eldercare sector in China faces significant challenges, notably a shortage of caregivers, where one attendant often manages up to ten elderly residents.

In September 2024, tech giant Tencent introduced a groundbreaking robotics solution called The Five, specifically designed to enhance human-robot collaboration in eldercare.

This robot features a hybrid quadruped-wheeled design coupled with sophisticated tactile sensory systems, allowing it to navigate and assist in a range of tasks, such as safely transferring seniors from beds to wheelchairs.

Zhang Zhengyou, Tencent's chief scientist, highlighted The Five's focus on promoting mobility and preventing falls.

However, challenges persist in making robot interactions more natural, with limitations in emotional recognition and dialect comprehension, alongside the need for improved navigation capabilities.

The cost of such robots, currently in the hundreds of thousands of yuan, also poses obstacles to mass production and deployment.

In addition to humanoid robots, wearable robotics are emerging as crucial tools for seniors' independence.

For example, 70-year-old stroke survivor Zhang Li in Chongqing has benefited from a wearable exoskeleton that assists with mobility through timely power support, improving his ability to move independently.

The integration of AI and robotic technologies in personal healthcare is providing seniors with greater autonomy in their daily lives.

China's leadership in establishing international standards for assistive robots, released by the International Electrotechnical Commission in March, is indicative of its commitment to enhancing eldercare technology.

These standards outline benchmarks for functionalities, including health monitoring and emergency response capabilities.

As researchers emphasize the need for breakthroughs in core technologies for eldercare robotics, coordinated efforts to align technological advancements with market demands are becoming increasingly crucial.

The integration of AI into eldercare systems aims to ensure a comprehensive approach that combines technology with compassionate human interaction.

Various stakeholders, including individuals like 72-year-old Wang Fenlan, who now enjoy smart technology for tasks ranging from weather updates to dietary advice, highlight the potential for AI to significantly enrich the lives of seniors across China.