International Exhibition of Senior Care, Rehabilitation Medicine and Healthcare, Shanghai 2026 (AID 2026) officially opens today at the Shanghai New International Expo Center (W1–W5). Established in 2000, AID is jointly organized by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and the Shanghai International Trade Promotion Commission, with co-organization by the Shanghai Aging Development Promotion Center, Shanghai Guozhan Exhibition Center Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Yinfafa Economic and Trade Development Co., Ltd. AID 2026 features innovative upgrades in both scale and program design. Nearly 680 leading enterprises from the elderly care industry across 22 countries and regions will gather today to engage with a steady stream of industry professionals, senior visitors, and local families—a vibrant and well-structured event that promises to be highly anticipated.
AID 2026 focuses on emerging trends in the silver economy, achieving comprehensive advancements in cross-sector integration, technology-driven innovation, global collaboration, and financial support, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
From “All-Star” to “New Logic”: Reengineering the Core Framework of the Silver Economy
AID 2026 is hailed as the “All-Star Gala” of China’s silver economy, featuring leading brands across multiple sectors including elderly care services, home appliances, furniture, assistive devices, food, automobiles, telecommunications, finance, and cultural tourism. Industry leaders such as Taikang Home, CITIC Elderly Care, Life Hall, Guokang, Xin Xuhui, and Shuyi Liankang have gathered together; smart home and telecommunications giants like Haier, China Telecom, and China Unicom have participated extensively in the event; elderly-friendly home brands including IKEA, Hushang Mingju, Tuoke Lesi, and Shidao have jointly showcased age-friendly lifestyle aesthetics; leading rehabilitation assistive device brands such as Yuyue, Balemeng, Sangui, and Tiankang are all present; food industry giants like Danone, Bright Dairy, Licheng, and A2 have crossed over to inject new vitality into senior nutrition. The financial sector also boasts numerous highlights: institutions including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Rural Commercial Bank, Shanghai Bank, SPDB, and Shanghai Trust have convened to establish a diversified financial service ecosystem for elderly care that integrates banking, trust, and insurance services. The technology and mobility segment will witness cross-sector collaboration: accessibility-focused vehicle manufacturers like Fengshi, SAIC Maxus, Johnson & Johnson, and Volkswagen, alongside innovative assistive technology providers such as Chengtian Technology, Kenqi, and Xiaoshentong, will compete on the same stage, offering everything from accessible vehicles to comprehensive mobility solutions—from exoskeleton assistance to intelligent mobile robots—to comprehensively reshape the mobility ecosystem for seniors.
The exponential growth of these cross-sector brands sends a clear signal: the consumption mindset of the silver-haired demographic is shifting from “meeting basic needs” to “pleasing themselves.” As more industry giants adapt their strategies for this demographic, the Senior Expo has evolved beyond being merely an exhibition into a collective response to the question of “how to age gracefully.”
From the “Global Social Network” to the “Shanghai Formation”: Activating the Two-Way Attraction Field of the Silver Economy
AID 2026’s international network continues to expand, having attracted enterprises and institutions from 22 countries and regions across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, marking a significant leap in its global reach. The Australian delegation doubled in size, while Canada and the UK joined for the first time as official participants. Numerous overseas brands jointly established an international exhibition area spanning over 1,500 square meters in Hall W3, collectively creating a vibrant “International Silver Landscape.”
Meanwhile, district-level entities across Shanghai made a large-scale appearance—marking the first time in AID’s history that so many district-affiliated organizations participated together. Districts including Xuhui, Changning, Putuo, Jing’ an, Pudong, Minhang, Qingpu, Chongming, and Jinshan primarily featured state-owned enterprises as their core participants, while Huangpu, Hongkou, Baoshan, Songjiang, and Jiading districts actively organized district-level exhibition delegations to collectively showcase Shanghai’s silver economy landscape characterized by “each district with its own distinct features and highlights.” A collaborative framework featuring coordinated efforts between municipal and district levels is taking shape, and Shanghai’s silver economy initiative is transitioning from blueprint to reality.
From “Concept” to “Application Scenario”: Defining the Social Impact of Silver-Generation Technology
AID 2026 achieved breakthroughs in the technology sector, with a series of “China Intelligent Manufacturing” products competing alongside those at the global forefront. Cutting-edge technologies are rapidly transitioning from institutional use to domestic applications—exoskeletons, robots, and other smart devices are becoming more lightweight, user-friendly, and accessible, integrating seamlessly into the daily lives of elderly individuals.
In the field of technology-driven mobility solutions, this trend remains unstoppable: intelligent robots are redefining “autonomous mobility” in unprecedented ways—from guiding the visually impaired to assisting pedestrians, from obstacle avoidance to all-terrain navigation—they address the fundamental question of “how to enable people with mobility challenges to travel farther and safer.” Beijing Wanyi’s “Dayi” guide dog robot, specifically developed for the visually impaired, features four navigation modes and six sensing capabilities, enabling free movement in both wired and wireless environments while navigating stairs effortlessly. The Zhiliuan S5 smart mobility robot by University of Science and Technology of China represents the world’s first application of Level 2 autonomous driving technology to mobility assistance scenarios, equipped with ACC adaptive cruise control, FCW collision warning, and AEB automatic braking systems that provide elderly users with “intelligent driving-level” safety. Zhongshan Xiaoshentong’s X13 embodied mobile robot transcends traditional electric wheelchair limitations—possessing all-terrain capability and intelligently navigating stairs, slopes, and rugged surfaces, earning recognition as a 2025 Innovation Award for Disability Technology Solutions in March. Swich’s new M6 radar-powered mobility vehicle utilizes an AI-based obstacle avoidance system for precise navigation in confined spaces, featuring dual safety mechanisms (SOS emergency call and automatic fall detection) alongside a reverse camera system and high-definition display, balancing user-friendly operation with proactive protection.
Emotional companionship robots also stand out with remarkable features: Shanghai Tianyu’s “Xiao Yu” AI companion robot, Shanghai Lansheng Health Technology’s “Lan Xiaoyi” AI multimodal health service robot, and Beijing Taiyun IoT’s AI smart elderly care companion robot—all integrate natural dialogue, health monitoring, risk screening, and one-touch SOS assistance into a cohesive system, serving as readily accessible “health stewards” and “AI companions” for seniors.
In the field of exoskeletons, brands such as Chengtian Technology, Kenqi, Sanlian, Youlong, and CETC will compete on the same stage. Chengtian Technology’s GoGo-K Speed Knee Joint Assisted Exoskeleton incorporates an AI-based gait-adaptive algorithm to dynamically adjust assistance levels in real time; CETC’s “Baihong” lightweight exoskeleton robot features a carbon fiber chassis for ultra-lightweight wearability.
From intelligent companionship to precise mobility assistance, from daily care to rehabilitation empowerment, a comprehensive technological “joint fleet” spanning multiple scenarios has now taken shape. Technology is no longer an distant fantasy but a readily accessible source of warmth for the elderly—this serves as the most compelling testament to AID 2026’s technological offerings.
From “Single Point” to “Ecology”: Strengthening the Trust Foundation of Silver-Friendly Finance
With the collaborative support of the People’s Bank of China’s Shanghai headquarters, AID 2026 established the first dedicated elderly finance zone in the history of the Senior Expo at Hall W2. Institutions including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of China, Bank of Communications, Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank, Bank of Shanghai, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and Shanghai Trust no longer operated in isolation; for the first time, they united under a unified platform encompassing banking, trust, and insurance services. Offering comprehensive one-stop consultation and services ranging from savings and wealth management to risk protection, asset management, intergenerational inheritance, and legal-integrated financial solutions such as designated guardianship, these initiatives transform finance from an abstract concept into a tangible, reliable pillar for elderly life planning.
More notably, the emerging legal service of designated guardianship was showcased for the first time alongside financial products such as pension trusts, transforming the concept of “掌控ing my later years” into a tangible contractual agreement. The establishment of the pension finance section marks a substantial step forward for Shanghai in building a “finance + elderly care” service system—shifting from fragmented approaches to a systematic framework and from product-driven models to demand-driven ones, serving as a key financial highlight for the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period at the Shanghai Senior Citizens Expo.
As the annual trade event and industrial empowerment platform for China’s elderly care industry, this year’s Senior Expo has set records in exhibition scale, internationalization level, and thematic depth. Compared to previous editions, it not only gathered top-tier global resources in elderly care but also focused on cutting-edge topics such as silver finance, technology adapted for seniors, and new consumption scenarios. The event featured a series of activities including the “2026 AID Silver Industry Innovation Development Conference” and the “2026 ‘Big City Elderly Care’ Innovation Development Conference,” along with multiple industry seminars, elevating business networking into a “feast of ideas” that pooled industry expertise and explored shared development pathways.
Intellectual Exchange: The “2026 AID Silver Industry Innovation and Development Conference” provides a comprehensive overview of the silver economy.
On the afternoon of June 4th, the “2026 AID Silver Economy Innovation Development Conference” will be grandly held at Pudong Kerry Hotel. Representatives from government, academia, industry, and finance sectors will gather to engage in in-depth discussions under the central theme “Exploration, Innovation, Leadership: New Drivers and Urban Practices for the Silver Economy,” collectively exploring Shanghai’s unique solutions for addressing population aging in megacities—a vibrant platform for intellectual exchange. Humanities and Finance observer Qin Shuo will deliver a keynote speech titled “New Consumption Patterns, Driving Forces, and Business Logic in the Silver Economy Era,” analyzing the evolving consumption trends from both macroeconomic and commercial perspectives, highlighting the shift in elderly consumer behavior from survival-oriented to enjoyment-driven needs—a viewpoint expected to resonate widely. Other distinguished speakers include Zhang Lufa, Deputy Dean of Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s School of International and Public Affairs; Wu Ruijun, Government Advisor of Shanghai Municipality; along with industry leaders from institutions such as the People’s Bank of China, Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Ant Group, Fourier Technologies, Danone, and CITIC Pension. Combining theory with practice, they will explore the future trajectory of the silver economy. The conference program progresses systematically—from macro trends to financial innovation, technological applications to standardization frameworks, and operational strategies to scientific nutrition practices—painting a comprehensive picture of integrated development across government, industry, academia, research, and application. This event promises to witness a transformative commercial revolution redefining how we approach aging.
Multifaceted Governance: Deepening Progress at the 2026 Innovation and Development Conference on “Comprehensive Elderly Care in Major Cities”
In addition to the “2026 AID Silver Industry Innovation and Development Conference,” which stands as a true intellectual feast, the series of events held concurrently at this year’s Senior Expo—the 2026 “Urban Elderly Care” Innovation and Development Conference—also featured numerous highlights. Guided by the principle of “industrial depth and professional perspective,” the conference covered six key themes: elderly care finance, dementia care, community-based and home-based services, dietary nutrition, designated guardianship, and smart elderly care, demonstrating Shanghai’s commitment to advancing refined and specialized elderly care services. From innovative models of elderly care trusts to the inaugural standards for elderly care financial planners, from dialogues between domestic and international experts on dementia care to discussions on food-based wellness initiatives and designated guardianship, the agenda progressed progressively, painting a comprehensive picture of the silver economy spanning financial safeguards, technological empowerment, professional care, and cross-sector integration.
Salon Collaboration: Multiple industry events jointly establish a new platform for exchange and cooperation in the silver economy sector.
During the exhibition, a series of thematic events including the “AID Talk Industry Salon,” “AI Emergence, Rejuvenating the Elderly: The Third Season of the Minority Report on Elder Care,” and the “2026 inaugural Golden Street Business Innovation Conference for the Senior Sector” will be held successively, poised to spark extensive intellectual discussions. As a long-standing partner that has supported the event since 2016, the AID Talk Salon is set to draw strong participation this year, with industry representatives sharing practical insights and fostering dynamic exchanges of perspectives. Capitalizing on the elevated status of the senior economy as a national strategy, the third season of the report will address key challenges in implementing smart elderly care solutions—from conceptual frameworks to practical implementation—where experts will convene to tackle challenges head-on and share groundbreaking ideas, fostering profound intellectual resonance. The Senior Economy Entrepreneurs Salon adopts a more pragmatic approach, facilitating direct interactions between entrepreneurs and practitioners while facilitating targeted resource connections to build effective collaborative bridges. The 2026 Golden Street Business Innovation Conference, themed “Gathering at Golden Street, Creating the Future,” specifically targets senior sector innovators and practitioners, addressing real-world challenges ranging from initial exploration to deep-level implementation.
Furthermore, the “Shanghai Silver Tourism Resource Allocation Matching Event,” guided by the Shanghai Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau and organized by the Shanghai Cultural and Tourism Industry Development Promotion Center, aims to achieve its core objectives of “precise matching and mutual empowerment.” Leveraging the industry influence and extensive audience base of the Senior Expo, the event seeks to establish an efficient platform connecting the supply of silver tourism products with channel demands, thereby supporting Shanghai’s efforts to become a high-quality destination for senior tourism. The event will bring together cultural and tourism enterprises, financial institutions, and senior communities to further promote the deep integration of culture, commerce, tourism, and exhibitions, fostering a new ecosystem for silver consumption characterized by resource sharing, ticket-based connectivity, and collaborative scenario development.
From innovative practices in elderly finance to localized approaches for dementia care, from ecosystem collaboration in community-based home care to the practical application of smart technologies, this industry summit that brings together global expertise and local resources has provided a clear roadmap and actionable guidelines for the high-quality development of the silver economy. Moving forward, the Shanghai Senior Citizens Expo will continue to serve as an industry benchmark and resource hub, fostering global connectivity while deepening local engagement, thereby accelerating the transition of the silver economy from “potential” to “explosion,” and delivering more meaningful and fulfilling solutions for elderly well-being across society.
From the matrix-style convergence of cross-border brands to the resonance of global resources; from the practical application of cutting-edge technologies in daily life to the ecosystem-oriented development of financial services—AID 2026 has redefined the boundaries and warmth of the silver economy through a truly boundary-free event. As the question “how to age” evolves from an individual inquiry to a collective response of our era, the Shanghai Senior Expo is writing a new chapter in the high-quality development of China’s silver economy with an open, innovative, and inclusive approach. The exhibition will continue for two days (June 5–6). Interested visitors are welcome to attend the Shanghai New International Expo Center and experience firsthand the warmth and impact of this premier event for seniors. See you tomorrow!
