International Symposium on Age-Friendly Assistive Devices: Helping Mobility-Impaired Seniors Sustain Independent Living

The International Symposium on Age-Friendly Rehabilitation Assistive Devices was held recently. Experts and industry representatives specializing in geriatric health, rehabilitation engineering and long-term care from numerous countries across the globe gathered to conduct in-depth exchanges on the research and development, standard formulation and popularization of age-friendly rehabilitation assistive devices.

Against the backdrop of ongoing global population ageing, a large number of mobility-impaired older adults struggle with travel difficulties and limited self-care capabilities, making it hard for them to live independently. Participants pointed out that standardized, science-backed age-friendly rehabilitation assistive devices can effectively compensate for physical functional decline and reduce risks of falls and disability. They serve as vital support for advancing healthy ageing and enabling ageing in place.

During the symposium, participants shared practical experience from various countries concerning the promotion of mobility aids and household accessibility equipment. They explored viable approaches including the establishment of assistive device assessment systems, universal supply and cross-border technical cooperation. Representatives reached a consensus to strengthen international communication and collaboration, facilitate the launch of safer, more practical and cost-effective age-friendly rehabilitation products, and improve the full service chain for assistive devices. These efforts will help mobility-impaired older adults reduce reliance on others and preserve their ability to live independently with dignity.

Apart from technological innovation, lowering barriers to access was another key topic of discussion at the international symposium. China has significantly cut consumer costs for premium age-friendly products through a combination of policies including government subsidies, direct supply from manufacturers and trade-in programmes. At the Shanghai International Ageing Industry Expo, certain age-friendly renovation services enjoy subsidies of up to 5,000 yuan, while prices of frequently used assistive devices such as electric wheelchairs have been greatly reduced. Meanwhile, the "rent-first, buy-later" shared rental model advocated by Hubang Wheelchair and the Research Atlas on the Application of Functional Robots in Silver Health Scenarios released by China Resources Sanjiu Fuxi Laboratory are gradually refining industry standards and service systems, transforming rehabilitation assistive devices from luxury goods into accessible mainstream products.

International observers noted that China’s accumulated experience in large-scale application and complete industrial chain advantages within the rehabilitation assistive device sector offer valuable references for the world to tackle ageing-related challenges. Driven jointly by technological empowerment and policy guidance, age-friendly rehabilitation assistive devices are gradually breaking down barriers caused by diminishing physical functions, enabling every mobility-impaired senior to enjoy a better life independently and with dignity.

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