The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the State Administration for Market Regulation have announced the 2026 'Elderly Care Shopping Season'. The initiative is scheduled to take place from October 18 to November 17, 2026, under the theme of expanding high-quality products for the elderly.
The government aims to accelerate the development of smart nursing robots and embodied AI care equipment. Companies are encouraged to focus on health monitoring, rehabilitation assistance, smart companionship, and specialized home products. The initiative promotes the integration of artificial intelligence into the research and verification of these products.
The plan includes creating virtual online showrooms for elderly-friendly products on e-commerce platforms, which will feature updated 'senior-friendly' interfaces. Offline, the authorities are pushing for the establishment of experience centers in community service hubs and retail stores to allow users to test and rent equipment before purchasing.
To ensure quality and recognition, participating products will carry a unified logo. Authorities are also establishing a dynamic database to track supply and demand, while supporting regional events like procurement meetings and product roadshows. These efforts are designed to connect manufacturers directly with elderly care institutions and communities.
The initiative also focuses on building a list of recognized consumer brands for the elderly and exploring a formal certification system for silver-economy products. Regulators will oversee product safety and quality during the event, while industry associations are tasked with providing consumer guidance and promoting safety standards for smart devices.
