China is ramping up efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and big data into its elder care system, as the country grapples with a declining workforce and a rapidly aging population. The initiative, announced during the annual “Two Sessions” political gathering, reflects China’s strategy to leverage cutting-edge technology to address social challenges while driving economic growth.
Civil Affairs Minister Lu Zhiyuan stated that the government aims to enhance the convenience, accessibility, and standardization of social assistance and elderly care services. “We will accelerate the development and application of new technologies and products such as big data and artificial intelligence in the fields of social assistance, elderly care services, and services for the disabled,” Lu emphasized at the news conference.
China’s population has been in decline for the third consecutive year, with over 310 million citizens aged 60 and above. This demographic shift poses economic and social challenges, prompting authorities to seek technological solutions to maintain efficiency in care services despite a shrinking workforce.
One of the key players in this technological transformation is DeepSeek, a privately owned Chinese AI company that has seen widespread adoption of its AI model by local governments. Since releasing the latest version of its chatbot in January, DeepSeek has gained significant traction, outpacing many Western competitors, despite U.S. restrictions on the sale of advanced AI chips to Chinese firms.
China’s leadership, including President Xi Jinping, has shown strong support for AI development. In a rare symposium with private companies last month, Xi encouraged technology leaders, including DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng, as well as representatives from Tencent, Huawei, and Xiaomi, to advance AI capabilities and “show their talents.”
The push for AI in elder care aligns with China’s broader strategy to boost its tech sector as a pillar of economic resilience. By investing in AI-driven healthcare, automation, and digital infrastructure, the government hopes to sustain economic momentum while addressing pressing demographic challenges. With AI’s growing role in elderly and social care, China is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-driven welfare solutions, setting a precedent for other aging societies worldwide.
