China's senior citizens are increasingly embracing AI-powered devices, with the nation's rapidly aging population poised to become a key driver of AI consumption over the next decade.

The demand outlook has been largely shaped by demographic trends. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China's population aged 60 and above reached 323 million by the end of 2025, accounting for 23 percent of the country's total population. That figure is projected to surpass 400 million by 2035, representing more than 30 percent of the population.

Data suggests that Chinese seniors are not only eager to adopt AI tools but also exhibit remarkable usage stickiness. A joint report released by Alibaba and Zhejiang Open University found that nearly 70 percent of people aged 50 and above use AI applications. Among those aged 76 and above, 45.05 percent are "high-frequency users" who engage with AI on a daily basis – significantly higher than the 29.94 percent recorded among the 50-to-55 age bracket.

The report underlined that "elderly individuals are highly potential and deeply engaged participants in the AI era."

To tap into this growing demand, companies are rolling out AI-powered hardware specifically tailored for senior citizens. At the 87th China Educational Equipment Exhibition held in Chengdu, Sichuan province, this week, Chinese tech company Lihua unveiled eight AI acoustic hardware products designed for the silver-generation audience, including a tablet, which is the first learning terminal for the silver economy to receive the highest-grade certification from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology under the "AI learning device" evaluation system.

Lihua said it had served over 22 million users as of November 2025, leveraging a sustainable smart service ecosystem tailored for the silver generation.