#China #Hangzhou #silver economy #Aging Governance

Asia-Pacific Conference on Aging Sets New Path for Regional Cooperation and Governance

The 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Ageing took place from October 26 to 30 in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, uniting diverse international and domestic experts to address the pressing issue of population aging. This event signified a concerted effort to develop cooperative strategies aimed at improving governance and services for the elderly.

During the conference, attendees engaged in numerous activities, including high-level panel discussions, keynote speeches, and parallel sessions that facilitated in-depth discussions across multiple facets of aging. Key topics included the silver economy, the burgeoning market associated with elder services, and the concept of a longevity society, which delves into the economic opportunities and challenges posed by an aging population.

Representatives from various countries, such as China, Singapore, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Iran, contributed their insights through discussions that aimed to develop actionable frameworks to address the demands of an older demographic. Among the highlights were 16 parallel sessions dedicated to specific themes including sustainable care, age-friendly community building, and the intersection of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, with aging. This format allowed for extensive exchanges, enriching the dialogue surrounding community-based elderly care and the necessity for sustainable practices.

A unique feature of the conference was the China Forum, where local officials from Shanghai and provinces such as Shandong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang shared their successful initiatives in building a lifelong education system for all ages, as well as strategies for promoting age-friendly urban and rural environments. The China National Committee on Ageing also presented three significant research reports that focused on proactive approaches to respond effectively to the challenges of aging.

In addition to intellectual exchanges, attendees had the opportunity to visit the 2026 Zhejiang International Health and Wellness Industry Expo, which showcased innovations in elderly care, alongside community tours to age-friendly neighborhoods that embody grassroots support systems for senior citizens.

Throughout the conference, participants generated policy recommendations focusing on key priorities such as:
1. Transforming longevity into developmental opportunities
2. Promoting accessible and inclusive care services
3. Ensuring equitable benefits from the silver economy
4. Enhancing mutual trust and understanding

These initiatives aspire to cultivate a collaborative framework that seeks inclusivity, innovation, and sustainable approaches to the challenges posed by an expanding older population. The agreements concluded by participants aim to foster a robust dialogue and shared responsibilities among nations within the Asia-Pacific region to regularly assess and address the implications of aging societies.

The conference was co-hosted by the China National Committee on Ageing, HelpAge International, and the United Nations Population Fund, with support from the Zhejiang civil affairs bureau and the Hangzhou government. Nearly 700 stakeholders, including government officials, academics, and representatives from international organizations, contributed to this significant gathering, underscoring the urgency and gravity of addressing population aging collectively.

In conclusion, the outcomes from the 2026 Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Population Ageing offer a hopeful blueprint for countries to not only face the challenges of an aging populace but to transform these challenges into opportunities for growth, inclusion, and improved quality of life for the elderly across the region.