A digital way to age gracefully

Xiaohongshu's digital realm Spring in Chunxuanmao stands out for its content featuring elderly individuals in their 70s and 80s sharing invaluable life lessons and insights.

Chen Zhuo, the program's director, said that while the videos feature elderly individuals, their primary audience is the younger generation. "We want people to draw inspiration from our content and live life to the fullest."

The newfound popularity of the elderly participants as online personalities underscores Chen Zhuo's belief in democratizing the benefits of media and technology for everyone, irrespective of age.

A recent report by QuestMobile on China's mobile internet landscape showed that as of September 2022, the country had 1.19 billion active mobile internet users monthly. The report highlights a notable trend: the continued expansion of usage among older people. In September 2022, individuals aged 46 and above constituted more than one-third of the user base, emerging as a key driver of user growth.

Chen Zhuo envisions a future where seniors can leverage the internet to explore new opportunities and embrace digital connectivity.

To reach that goal, he has asked caregivers at the retirement home to assist senior residents in keeping up with technological advancements such as using smartphones and staying engaged in the ever-evolving digital landscape. "Seniors should never be left out," Chen Zhuo said.

Wang Qiaozhi contributed to this story.

lilei@chinadaily.com.cn