Improving e-gadgets to help the elderly is a profitable necessity

MANY SENIOR CITIZENS in China are struggling to adapt to advanced electronic gadgets, such as hire-on-demand car-hailing apps on their mobile phones and self-checkout machines in supermarkets. They should not be left behind in the pursuit of "e-life", Guangzhou Daily commented on Wednesday:

Few would disagree that China is among the leaders of internet-driven innovation and intellectual entrepreneurship. While the country's younger generations seamlessly harmonize with smarter, more cost-effective ways of life, the elderly find it difficult to do so.

Many senior citizens who use smartphones refrain from going further than making phone calls or sending messages, leaving many functions and apps underused, and there are very few mobile phone applications developed for senior citizens only. Compared with the "digital generations", older generations are less likely to take a cab using car-hailing platforms. Nor do they bother to use third-party payment apps and make appointments with doctors online.