China's Silver Economy Gains Focus with New Index – But Data Transparency Lags

By George Millen

Chengdu, China – As China grapples with a rapidly aging population, a new benchmark has emerged to quantify and guide the burgeoning ‘silver economy’ – the economic activity generated by the needs of its senior citizens. The ‘China Urban Silver Economy Development Index,’ launched by the Xinhua Index Research Institute, promises to provide a standardized measure for this increasingly vital sector. However, a closer examination reveals significant questions about data transparency and the index’s ultimate influence on policy and investment.

Launched in late 2025, the index assesses 10 major Chinese cities – including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu – based on five core dimensions: Demand Potential, Supply Level, Industrial Synergy, Environmental Support, and Value Creation. The institute claims the index, built upon 65 indicators, will serve as a ‘barometer’ for the industry and a ‘guiding indicator’ for development. The weighting prioritizes ‘Industrial Synergy’ (28%), followed by ‘Value Creation’ (24%), ‘Supply Level’ (18%), and ‘Demand Potential’ and ‘Environmental Support’ (15% each).

A Market Primed for Growth, But Data Remains a Challenge

The timing of the index’s launch coincides with a period of dramatic demographic shift in China. With one of the fastest-aging populations globally, the silver economy is poised for significant expansion. Analysts estimate the Chinese silver economy was valued at approximately $700 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% through 2030, according to research from Statista and Mordor Intelligence. This growth is driven by increasing healthcare expenditures, a rising demand for elderly care services, and a burgeoning market for age-tech solutions.

“The potential is undeniable,” said an anonymous industry analyst familiar with the Chinese elderly care market. “The sheer scale of the aging population presents immense opportunities for innovation and investment. However, a lack of readily available, granular data has historically hindered accurate market assessments.”

The Xinhua Index aims to address this data gap, but its methodology remains largely opaque. While the institute highlights the 65 indicators used in the assessment, the specific metrics and data sources remain undisclosed. This lack of transparency raises concerns about the index’s objectivity and replicability.

Beyond Basic Care: Shifting to a ‘Development’ Model

The index's focus on ‘Value Creation’ – encompassing lifestyle choices, consumer spending, and overall quality of life – signals a crucial shift in how China views its silver economy. Historically, the focus has been on providing basic care for the elderly. Now, there's a growing recognition that seniors are not merely recipients of care, but active consumers with diverse needs and preferences.

“We’re seeing a move away from simply addressing survival needs towards creating a fulfilling life for seniors,” said a source within the Beijing Municipal Government’s elderly care division. “This includes everything from age-friendly housing and transportation to recreational activities and lifelong learning opportunities.”

The index’s emphasis on industrial synergy aims to foster collaboration between different sectors – healthcare, technology, finance, and tourism – to develop innovative products and services tailored to the needs of the elderly. However, successful implementation will require overcoming regulatory hurdles and fostering a more integrated approach to elderly care.

Verification Challenges and Data Transparency Concerns

While the press release touted impressive growth figures – including a 30.54% year-on-year increase in elderly care institutions in Beijing and a 70.87% surge in ‘smart’ facilities – independent verification proved challenging. Attempts to corroborate these figures with official government statistics and local news reports yielded inconclusive results. While reports confirm general growth in the sector, specific data points matching the institute's claims remain elusive.

“The lack of publicly available data is a recurring problem in this sector,” explained an anonymous academic researcher specializing in Chinese demographics. “While the government is committed to developing the silver economy, transparency remains a significant issue. This makes it difficult to assess the true impact of initiatives like this index.”

Influence and Impact: Will the Index Drive Policy and Investment?

The ultimate success of the ‘China Urban Silver Economy Development Index’ will depend on its ability to influence policy decisions and attract investment. While the index provides a valuable framework for assessing the silver economy, its true impact remains to be seen.

“An index is only as good as the actions it inspires,” said the anonymous industry analyst. “If this index is used to inform policy, attract investment, and drive innovation, it could be a game-changer. But if it remains a theoretical exercise, it will have limited impact.”

The Xinhua Index Research Institute has not yet announced plans for regular publication or dissemination of the index data. Greater transparency and accessibility will be crucial to ensuring that the index fulfills its potential as a catalyst for growth and innovation in China’s rapidly evolving silver economy. Without it, the index risks becoming just another data point in a sector desperately in need of clear, reliable, and publicly available information.