The ageing population of China and a review of gerontechnology

The older population has increased greatly throughout much of the world. China, with the largest ageing population in the world, will have to take population ageing very seriously due to the likely large negative impact on economic and social development. Gerontechnology, which combines gerontology and technology, can not only help to satisfy the demands and requirements of older people, but also has the potential to give support to caregivers and reduce spiraling health care cost. In this paper, we describe the general characteristics of the ageing population in China, and discuss the opportunity provided by gerontechnology when applied to facilitate successful ageing. Research and application of gerontechnology in China are still at an early stage and there are different kinds of barriers to the implementation process. Government, organizations, communities and researchers must collaborate to advocate and give full supports to the successful utilization of gerontechnology.