On May 24th, under the guidance of the China Association of the Elderly, the Second Elderly Industry Development Forum, jointly organized by the China Association of the Elderly Industry and the Xinhua News Agency, was held in Beijing. The forum’s theme was “Market Opportunities and Development Trends in the Silver Economy,” and it brought together numerous industry experts and entrepreneurs to share experiences, build consensus, and collectively promote the high-quality development of the silver economy and the elderly industry.
At the forum, Zulijian’s founder, Mr. Zhang Jingkang, was invited to participate and deliver a keynote speech on “Standardizing Elderly Products,” sharing Zulijian’s practical experience in elderly shoes. During the forum, the “China Silver Economy Development Report” was officially released, providing in-depth analysis of the significant development space for the silver economy in the midst of China’s demographic changes.
Exploring the path to standardizing elderly products: Guided by user needs, innovation leads industry transformation.
During this conference, Mr. Zhang Jingkang, the founder of Zulijian Elderly Shoes, delivered a keynote speech on “How to Standardize Elderly Products,” sharing Zulijian’s experience in the field of elderly shoes and providing insights for the standardized development of elderly products.
Mr. Zhang Jingkang reflected on the development journey of Zulijian Elderly Shoes, emphasizing the company’s decade-long commitment to meeting the needs of elderly users. They conducted in-depth analyses of thousands of elderly individuals’ foot characteristics and behavioral motivations to understand their real pain points and needs. With the deepening of population aging, the demands of the elderly consumer group are becoming increasingly diverse and personalized, posing higher requirements for companies. Zulijian will initiate long-term research projects to conduct detailed surveys on more elderly groups, gaining insights into the comprehensive life status of the elderly population and designing professional elderly shoes that better cater to their needs.
Furthermore, Mr. Zhang Jingkang redefined the concept of “hot-selling products,” stating that “the core of a hot-selling product lies not in its functionality or price, but in its quality. A ‘hot-selling product’ without quality will reset everything.” The success of a product lies in its ability to consistently deliver high-quality standards, which is a crucial factor in driving market acceptance and user recognition. In recent years, with the enhancement of Zulijian’s research and development capabilities, Zulijian Elderly Shoes not only meet the basic needs of the elderly but also focus on product aesthetics, fashion sense, and value for money while ensuring comfort. This approach has won the favor of a growing number of younger consumers.
Mr. Zhang Jingkang believes that “standards create value, drive hot-selling products, and empower brands.” As the first drafting unit for national standards for elderly shoes, Zulijian ensures that every product and production process meets the required standards. Starting from enterprise standards to industry standards and national standards, Zulijian calls for continuous improvement in product quality and competitiveness, aiming to drive brand development through standards and contribute to the silver economy.
The silver economy is thriving, and the market for elderly shoes is steadily growing.
At the forum, Mr. Liu Zhangchuan, Executive Director of Sullivan Greater China, released the “China Silver Economy Development Report,” which analyzed the current situation and future development trends of China’s silver economy with detailed data and numerous case studies.
The report indicates that as China’s population ages, the silver economy has become a significant force driving economic development. By 2023, individuals aged 60 and above in China accounted for 19.5% of the total population, approaching the standards of a moderately aging society. This considerable population base will undoubtedly propel the development of the silver economy.
The silver economy encompasses a wide range of industries, with the report focusing on the four main themes of aging society: clothing, food, education, and entertainment. In the field of the silver economy, clothing, as one of the essential consumption areas, is showing new trends. The market for elderly shoes and clothing is entering an era of fashion, health, and comfort.
The report predicts that by 2028, the market size of China’s silver economy will reach 12.3 trillion RMB, with the estimated market size for elderly shoes at 112.13 billion RMB. With years of experience in the elderly shoe industry, Zulijian leverages professional product design for the elderly, a deep understanding of the consumption psychology and behavioral habits of the elderly population, and keenly identifies the differentiation in demand and market supply within this segment. With its first-mover advantage, Zulijian has become a leader in the elderly shoe industry. With such a vast market for elderly shoes, Zulijian has ample room for further exploration and breakthroughs in the future.
The in-depth exchanges and collision of ideas at this forum not only showcased the vibrant vitality of the elderly industry but also highlighted the relentless efforts of companies like Zulijian in standardization and innovation. With meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering quality, Zulijian will always stay true to its original aspiration, warmly embracing the silver economy, and contributing to the high-quality development of the elderly shoe industry.
