On September 13, the Asia Pacific Care Industry Forum debuted at Cares Expo Taipei. Inaugurated by the Founder of Anke Media and Organizer of Cares Expo Taipei, Parson Lee, and Minister without Portfolio and former Taiwan's Minister of Health and Welfare, Chen Shih-Chung, the forum brought together key leaders in elder care to address the growing challenges posed by aging populations across the region. Through a combination of technology, innovation, and international collaboration, countries are developing unique strategies to improve the quality of life for seniors.
Taiwan’s approach: Aging in place and person-centered care
Taiwan, set to become a super-aged society by 2026, is actively addressing its aging population through its Long-Term Care 2.0 initiative. Hsi-Wen Wu from the Ministry of Health and Welfare highlighted Taiwan’s focus on promoting "aging in place," a concept centered on person-centered, community-based care. This initiative allows seniors to live independently while receiving support. Taiwan also introduced preventative care strategies to reduce the number of years spent with disabilities.
Wu also emphasized that leveraging technology is crucial to managing Taiwan's elder care demands, especially with the expected shortage of caregivers in the future.
Global innovations in elder care
International speakers provided insights into their countries' elder care systems, showcasing how technology is transforming senior care. Professor Lynne Corner, Deputy Director of the UK's National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA), discussed the importance of involving older adults in the design of technology that impacts their lives. NICA collaborates with businesses and universities to develop new solutions that improve seniors' quality of life, with an emphasis on preventing issues and incorporating feedback from caregivers.
In Singapore, Karen Wee Siew Lin, Executive Director of Lions Befrienders Service Association, highlighted the country's emphasis on "aging in place" through telemedicine and smart home devices. Seniors in Singapore benefit from services like Senior Activity Centers and real-time health monitoring, though challenges such as the digital divide persist. Despite these barriers, Singapore is exploring new ways to enhance elder care delivery.
Japan's Sompo Care, represented by Mitsuru Sakoda, GM and Head of Business Development & Head of Global Strategy Office of Sompo Care, focuses on using AI and sensor technology to reduce caregiver workload and improve care quality. As Japan faces its own aging crisis and labor shortages, these tech-driven solutions help streamline care, with caregiver training and specialized care remaining a priority.
Elder care across Asia: A regional perspective
Gaurav Agarwal, Co-founder & COO of Samarth Life Management in India, highlights India's aging population of 153 million and the shift from joint to nuclear families, reducing social support for seniors. Despite financial resources, many hesitate to spend on themselves. Samarth Life’s "123 model" promotes independence, health, security, and social engagement for seniors. Operating in 100 cities with 400 professionals, mostly women, the company collaborates with corporates and the government. Agarwal emphasizes the need for technology and infrastructure in elder care and calls for collaboration to address these challenges.
Malaysia’s ReU Living, presented by IGB, blends hospitality with elder care to cater to the growing senior population, Estee Tan, COO of ReU Living mentioned. Offering medical services with the amenities of luxury hotels, ReU Living’s innovative approach has set a high standard in Malaysia, where the elder care industry is still in its early stages.
The Philippines, represented by Marc Andre Daubenbuechel, CEO and MD of RainTree Care Services & Senior Residence, highlighted the country’s challenges in elder care, particularly in dementia care. Raintree focuses on providing a culturally sensitive, home-like environment for dementia patients, particularly for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning home for care. While the Philippines faces a shortage of caregivers and limited government funding, RainTree has adapted international care standards to fit local culture and needs.
Australia’s elder care landscape is also undergoing significant transformation, as shared by the Australian Nursing Home Foundation (ANHF) during the forum. ANHF, the largest aged care provider for the Chinese community in Australia, offers nursing homes, home care packages, and seniors’ housing. Ada Chee Har Cheng, the CEO’s presentation focused on the extensive reforms in Australia’s elder care system, which emphasize a shift toward more client-centered services.
These reforms focus on improving sustainability, transparency, and competition among care providers, with a particular focus on personalized care. Australia is also addressing the growing need for dementia care, promoting early detection, humane treatment, and community engagement to improve the quality of life for those affected. ANHF is leading the way in offering culturally sensitive care to Australia’s diverse population, ensuring that its services are tailored to the specific needs of different ethnic groups.
Innovation and collaboration driving the future
The Asia Pacific Care Industry Forum made it clear that the future of elder care in the region lies in innovation, technology, and international collaboration. From AI-powered care in Japan to personalized services in Australia, the region is finding new ways to meet the needs of its aging populations. By sharing knowledge and strategies, countries across the Asia Pacific are paving the way for a brighter future for seniors, ensuring that care is not only accessible but also tailored to enhance their quality of life.
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