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Aging is a natural process, but with breakthroughs in technology and medicine, longevity is more attainable than ever. “At Ping An Zhen Living, we believe a longer life can be a better life,” says Yuke Wang, General Manager of Premium Health and Senior Care Communities at Ping An Life. As we enter this new era, it’s essential to “unbundle” outdated assumptions and reimagine our environments to be more age-friendly—embracing the rich diversity that aging can bring to our lives.
This vision set the stage for the First Aging Asia China Dialogue, which took place in Shanghai in July 2025. The aging population in Asia is growing faster than in any other region worldwide. By 2050, more than one in four people across Asia-Pacific will be over 60, making the region home to the majority of the world’s older population. This demographic shift is reshaping economies, healthcare systems, and communities, creating both urgent challenges and unprecedented opportunities.
At the dialogue, co-hosted by Ping An Zhen Living and Ageing Asia, industry leaders from Singapore, Australia, Japan, and mainland China shared a consistent message: societies must move from reactive care to proactive, prevention-oriented approaches—anchored in communities, respectful of people’s dignity, and enhanced by culturally aware design and smart technology.
The Challenges of Elderly Care Across Asia
- Shrinking workforces and rising dependency ratios are straining public finances
- Chronic conditions, such as diabetes and dementia are growing faster than clinical capacity
- Formal and informal caregiver shortages are widening
- Loneliness, social isolation, and a digital divide are undermining health
- Services remain fragmented across home, community, and hospital settings
These challenges highlight the urgent need for sustainable long-term care options tailored to Asia’s cultural and economic diversity.
Singapore: Enabling Independence Through Community Care
Janice Chia, founder of Singapore Ageing Asia, emphasized reframing filial piety—from doing everything for older adults to empowering their independence. This means designing age-friendly environments that preserve dignity through community-based supports, prevention-first care hubs, and alignment to policy initiatives such as the Ministry of Health’s Healthier SG. This model ensures that senior care living in Singapore promotes independence while respecting cultural values.
Australia: Preparing Communities for Dementia Care and Reablement
In Australia, where dementia is a leading cause of death for those over 65, especially for females, David Cochran, CEO of Harbison Care, highlighted creating dementia-friendly environments and using evidence-based physical activity to slow cognitive decline. These initiatives support Australia’s push for consumer-directed care, helping older adults remain engaged and independent longer.
Japan: Public Support Long-Term Care System
Japan, the world’s most aged society, has spent decades building a comprehensive Long-Term Care Insurance (LTCI) system. Wang Siwei, director of MCS, dissected its success: universal benefits, integrated community care, and dementia group homes that close the “home-community” loop. Japan’s model shows how insurance and long-term care can be scaled nationally.
Mainland China: Technology-Enhanced Senior Care Living (The 90-7-3 Model)
China faces one of the world’s largest aging populations and has adopted the 90-7-3 model—aiming for 90% of eldercare needs to be met at home, 7% by the community, and 3% in institutions. Here, Ping An’s integrated, technology-driven approach supports the model.
Home-Based Senior Care
For seniors living on their own at home, Ping An's program provides a complete circle of care. Imagine the peace of mind for adult children who live far away. For example, a smart sensor system monitors their mother’s safety at home, while a dedicated life concierge becomes her trusted partner for daily life—arranging rehabilitation or planning entertainment. A family doctor stays connected, checking on her progress against her health plan online. It is a seamless blend of technology and personal service that empowers seniors to live independently while keeping their families reassured.
Premium Health and Senior Care Communities
For seniors with more complex needs, Ping An offers high-quality Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Bridging the gap is the CCAH (Community Care At Home) model, which allows seniors to enjoy community activities while receiving support at home, balancing cost and active aging.
As an insurance payer, Ping An integrates health and senior care resources, creating a robust online-offline ecosystem for more than 240 million customers. This financial strength allows Ping An to deliver personalized services, setting a new standard in China’s senior care market.
Common Lessons for an Aging Asia
Despite differences between countries, four themes unite Asia’s approach:
- Preventive care over reactive care: Invest early in mobility, cognition, and social connection
- Lifestyle-centered care: Embed services into daily life
- Hybrid funding: Enable timely, equitable use through public and private financing
- Technology with empathy: Support caregivers with digital tools that enable delivery of compassionate care
Looking Ahead: Building Aging-Ready Societies
The future of aging in Asia will be defined not by a single solution, but by a seamless ecosystem of care. It will be proactive, not reactive. It will be powered by technology, but delivered with empathy. From Singapore’s empowerment ethos to Japan’s insurance-based continuity, the region is setting new benchmarks.
Ping An is not just building senior homes or digital platforms, it is building that ecosystem. We are committed to creating a future where every individual can age with dignity, purpose, and peace of mind.