China Expands Support for Age-Friendly Consumer Products

China's Ministry of Commerce and six other departments issued implementation guidelines to expand and upgrade consumer spending, calling for stronger research and development of key technologies and core components. According to ChainCatcher, the plan also seeks broader use of brain-computer interface and artificial intelligence technologies in age-friendly products and rehabilitation assistive devices. The guidelines call for greater promotion of high-quality products listed in the catalog of elderly consumer goods, including exoskeleton robots, electric wheelchairs, and smart mattresses. They also encourage the adoption of devices for health monitoring, toileting care, transfers, and bathing in elderly households, while exploring a certification system for silver-haired products. Retail and distribution companies are encouraged to create dedicated sales areas for age-friendly products and expand their presence in supermarkets, hotels, communities, hospitals, pharmacies, and eldercare institutions.