The Digital Intelligence Revolution: A Study of Paradigm Shifts and Driving Forces in the Silver Economy Industry Wave

Abstract

The ageing of China's population and the rapid development of the digital economy have converged historically, presenting significant opportunities to address the challenges of ageing and develop the silver economy. This study focuses on the mechanisms through which digital and intelligent technologies drive the transformation of the silver economy industry, employing a combination of literature analysis and case studies to systematically examine the integration pathways and development models between the two. By clarifying the essence of the digital economy and the silver economy, and analysing their respective development statuses and integration status, this study found that digital technology primarily empowers the silver economy through three pathways: the first is technology innovation driving product and service upgrades, such as smart health monitoring devices. The second is digitalised operations improving service efficiency, achieving cost reduction and efficiency improvement, both reducing the cost of elderly care services and expanding the scope of service coverage. The third is precisely meeting the needs of the elderly to stimulate consumption potential, such as personalised health management services. These mechanisms have given rise to new industrial models such as smart elderly care and digital health management. At the same time, the study revealed four major bottlenecks in current development: the digital divide among the elderly, unclear industrial profit models, data security risks, and policy lag issues. It proposed targeted solutions such as ageing-friendly renovations, improving digital literacy, cultivating industrial ecosystems, and building data governance systems.