







































 Humanities and Social Science Research; Vol. 8, No. 4; 2025 

ISSN 2576-3024   E-ISSN 2576-3032 

https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v8n4p241 

 241 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 

 

Research on the Demand and Satisfaction of the Elderly in Beijing for 

Assistive Devices and Digital Intelligent Products of Traditional 

Chinese Medicine under the Background of the Silver Economy 

Wen Xiao1 

1 Minzu University of China, China 

Correspondence: Wen Xiao, Minzu University of China, Biejing, China. 

 

Received: August 14, 2025; Accepted: August 28, 2025; Published: August 29, 2025 

 

Abstract 

As China accelerates its aging process, the trend of deep aging poses an urgent need for smart elderly care services. 

The State Council's "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of National Aging Services" explicitly puts forward 

the goal of "aging in place", requiring the improvement of community elderly care service capabilities through 

technological innovation. In this context, this study focuses on the demand and satisfaction of the elderly 

population in Beijing with assistive devices and digital intelligent products of traditional Chinese medicine, aiming 

to reveal the contradiction between supply and demand in the market through a hybrid research method (online 

questionnaire survey and offline field investigation), and to provide basis and improvement suggestions for product 

optimization, industrial upgrading and publicity channels. The research team covered more than 1,000 elderly 

people aged 60 and above in Beijing through stratified sampling, combined with questionnaire surveys and field 

interviews, and used descriptive statistical analysis, K-means cluster analysis, Pearson chi-square test analysis, 

and variance test to reveal the consumption status, demand differences, product usage pain points, and 

consumption barriers of the elderly group. The data showed that there were significant differences in demand for 

the two types of products among the elderly, and preferences and usage varied among the elderly of different ages, 

genders and health conditions. The core demands were concentrated on functional practicality, age-friendly design 

and price rationality, but there were significant structural contradictions in the market supply. Through Pearson 

correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models, it was found that after-sales service is the primary driver 

of satisfaction with assistive devices, and quality and after-sales service jointly determine satisfaction with digital 

products of traditional Chinese medicine. Based on the findings, the report proposes market stratification 

optimization, consumer conversion strategies, and marketing strategies aimed at enhancing the acceptance and 

satisfaction of elderly people with smart health care products, providing data support for the construction of a 

smart elderly care ecosystem, and promoting the high-quality development of the health care industry. 

Keywords: elderly population, assistive devices, digital products for traditional Chinese medicine, demand 

analysis, satisfaction survey, age-friendly design 

1. Introduction 

1.1 Research Background 

In the global aging wave, the size of the elderly population in China continues to expand at an accelerating rate. 

By the end of 2023, the proportion of people aged 60 and above in China had reached 21.1%. Beijing, as a megacity 

with a deep aging population, had an even higher proportion of the elderly population at 21.3%, ranking among 

the top in the country. Against this backdrop, The State Council's "14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of 

National Aging Services" [1] explicitly put forward the goal of "aging in place" and called for enhancing the 

capacity of community elderly care services through technological innovation. Intelligent rehabilitation assistive 

devices and digital products of traditional Chinese medicine are emerging as technological breakthroughs in the 

field of smart elderly care, thanks to their unique value in health monitoring, life assistance, rehabilitation training 

and TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment. 

The current market faces multi-dimensional structural contradictions: On the supply side, online platform data 

shows that the growth rate of smart product categories is 34.43%, but the homogeneity rate exceeds 60%[2], there 

are problems of functional redundancy and lack of age-friendly design, such as AR rehabilitation training devices 

with motion capture technology, 78% of the products do not take into account the joint range of motion limitations 



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of elderly users; On the demand side, community research shows that the elderly demand for basic functions such 

as "one-click operation" and "voice interaction" is 2.3 times stronger than that of existing products [3], and digital 

products of traditional Chinese medicine have a community penetration rate of less than 15% due to problems such 

as complex operation and broken service chain. The elderly population in Beijing is large and growing, and the 

health and wellness industry is developing rapidly. How to accurately grasp the needs of the elderly group, 

optimize the supply of smart health and wellness products, and improve service quality is the key issue currently 

faced by the development of the health and wellness industry in Beijing.  

1.2 Study Objectives and Significance 

1.2.1 Study Objectives 

Targeting the elderly population aged 60 and above in Beijing communities, focusing on the three dimensions of 

market supply, user demand and satisfaction of assistive devices and digital intelligent products of traditional 

Chinese medicine, sorting out the current supply and demand situation, analyzing demand characteristics and pain 

points, evaluating key influencing factors of satisfaction, and proposing optimization plans to provide a basis for 

the development of elderly-friendly products and industrial upgrading. 

1.2.2 Significance of the Study 

1.2.2.1 Theoretical Implications 

Analyze the needs and satisfaction of the elderly group from multiple dimensions such as product functions, 

technology applications, and service models, enrich the market demand theory and user experience research in the 

field of intelligent products for elderly health care, and fill the gap in this field in Beijing. 

1.2.2.2 Practical Significance 

Help enterprises develop products that fit the market and enhance their competitiveness; Provide a basis for the 

government to formulate policies and improve industry norms; Guide social resources towards the elderly care 

sector, improve the quality of life for the elderly, and promote the construction of an age-friendly society. 

1.3 Research Methods 

1.3.1 Definition of Core Concepts 

Assistive devices: Devices or tools that help the elderly make up for physical deficiencies and improve their ability 

to take care of themselves through technical means, including walking AIDS, smart wearable devices, etc. The 

core function is to enhance the independence of the elderly and reduce the burden of care. 

Traditional Chinese medicine digital products: refer to intelligent devices or service platforms that use technologies 

such as artificial intelligence to transform traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment, health 

preservation and care methods into quantifiable and interactive ones, such as intelligent pulse diagnosis devices, 

digital moxibustion devices, etc. 

Community-based elderly care model: Based on the family and supported by the community, it integrates medical, 

housekeeping, cultural and other service resources to provide standardized and diversified elderly care services for 

the elderly. 

1.3.2 The Method of Literature Review 

China has achieved certain results in the construction of assistive device service system. However, in the face of 

the large number of elderly people and the rapid development of aging, the future demand will continue to grow 

rapidly, and higher requirements will be put forward for the coverage and service quality of the service system. 

Since the relevant policies were proposed, a number of applications and platforms have emerged, significantly 

improving the efficiency of teaching, research and clinical work in traditional Chinese medicine. However, there 

are still problems in the deep integration of technology and traditional Chinese medicine theory, data quality and 

security. The theoretical basis of consumer satisfaction is Oliver's expectancy confirmation theory proposed in 

1980. Satisfaction with assistive devices is influenced by various factors such as pre-sale service satisfaction and 

after-sale service satisfaction, and is closely related to purchase intention. 

In summary, the assistive device service system needs to be continuously optimized to meet the growing demand; 

Digital products of traditional Chinese medicine are developing rapidly but still have room for improvement; 

Consumer satisfaction with assistive devices is influenced by a variety of factors, providing directions for the 

improvement of related products and services. Future research could focus on how to further improve the assistive 

device service system, deepen the application of digital technology in traditional Chinese medicine, enhance 



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consumer satisfaction, and explore the interrelationships and synergistic development paths among these three 

aspects. 

2. Current Situation Analysis 

To understand the current market situation, 20 types of products (covering price ranges from 200 yuan to over 

2,000 yuan), including crutches, walking AIDS, physiotherapy devices, etc. were surveyed on platforms such as 

Taobao. 

2.1 Price range and Market Institution Analysis 

 

Table 1. Price Range and Market Organization Analysis 

Price 

range 

Quantity 

share 
Typical products Efficiency characteristics After-sales service features 

Under 

200 

yuan 

19% 

Medical position pads, 

folding crutches, waist 

guards 

Low price, high sales 

volume (15 yuan products 

sold over 10,000 units) 

37% have no after-sales service, 42% 

offer warranty 

200-500 

yuan 
34% 

Blood pressure monitor, 

positioning wristband, 

physiotherapy device 

Mid-range products are 

selling well (9 models sold 

over 1,000 +) 

90% offer "seven-day no-reason 

return and exchange", 60% come 

with additional warranty 

500-

1000 

yuan 

23% 

Smart lift mattress, transfer 

machine, medium 

frequency physiotherapy 

device 

High-price product 

differentiation (with some 

selling over 10,000 units) 

Emphasizing "lifetime warranty" and 

"long trial period" 

1,000-

2,000 

yuan 

16% 

Electric nursing beds, 

oxygen generators, transfer 

machines 

Top products explode (Haier 

oxygen generators sold for 

over 50,000) 

Lifetime warranty is the main 

feature, and some offer an extended 

return and exchange period 

More 

than 

2,000 

yuan 

8% 

Electric stair-climbing 

wheelchairs, high-end 

physiotherapy devices 

Ultra-high-priced products 

have low sales (mostly 

under 1000) 

Extended warranty (3 to 5 years) + 

lifetime technical support 

 

2.1.1 The Product Pyramid Structure is Significant 

Low-price products (under 200 yuan) : Traffic entry point, mainly crutches and belts, the 15-yuan price range 

accounts for 42% of sales, but 37% have no after-sales service, low user trust. 

Mid-waist (200-1000 yuan) : Contributing 70% of profits, with the rise of categories such as blood pressure 

monitors and physiotherapy devices, accounting for more than 50% of sales. Consumers pay attention to "seven-

day no-reason return and exchange" and "lifetime warranty", and intelligent products are growing significantly. 

High-end (over 1,000 yuan) : Explosive demand for essential equipment such as electric nursing beds and oxygen 

generators; Sales of ultra-high-priced products (such as electric stair-climbing wheelchairs) are sluggish, relying 

on brands and extended warranties (3-5 years). 

2.1.2 Price Sensitivity Stratification 

 

Table 2. Price Sensitivity stratification table 

Price range Decision Core 
NPS 

value 
Notes 

Less than 200 

yuan 
Price-driven 35 

The lack of after-sales service significantly lowers the 

recommendation rate 

200-1000 yuan 
Services + 

Features 
65 

"Seven-day return and exchange" and "intelligentization" as 

growth engines 

> 1,000 yuan 
Brand + After-

sales 
75 Market education is costly and relies on word-of-mouth 

 

 



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2.3 Category Market Performance and Competitive Landscape 

Table 3. TOP5 Best-selling Categories and Competition Dynamics 

Categories Representative products 
Market size 

(billion yuan) 

Annual 

growth 

rate 

Core Competitive 

Strategy 
Top merchants 

Crutches/walkers 
Folding crutches, senior 

walkers 
8.5 15% 

Low price for 

volume + basic 

warranty 

Kangpai Medical, Ali 

Health Pharmacy 

Blood pressure 

monitor/physiotherapy 

device 

Omron blood pressure 

monitor, medium 

frequency 

physiotherapy device 

12.3 22% 
Brand premium + 

long period warranty 

Omron, Yuyue, Kefu 

Medical 

Nursing bed/transfer 

machine 

Electric nursing beds, 

paralysis transfer 

machines 

6.8 35% 

Omni-channel 

coverage + 

customized services 

Omron, Yuyue, Kefu 

Medical 

Location/anti-loss devices 

GPS location 

wristbands, senior alarm 

devices 

4.2 18% 

Iot technology 

upgrade + joint 

insurance service 

Newman Pryor, True 

Artisan Flagship Store 

Rehabilitation trainers 

Upper and lower limb 

rehabilitation machine, 

swallowing trainer 

3.1 10% 

Medical institution 

cooperation + 

installment payment 

Mid-volume flagship 

store, YOHOS 

Rehabilitation factory 

 

Table 4. Comparison of Competitive strategies between Top and Long-tail merchants 

Dimensions 
Top merchants (Alibaba Health, Yuyue, 

Omron) 

Long-tail merchants (Duwang, Kangle 

Medical) 

Product layout 
Full category coverage, with a focus on mid-to-

high-end (200- 2,000 yuan) 

Focus on low prices (<200 yuan) or ultra-

segmented devices (such as swallowing 

trainers) 

Post-sale 

policy 

Standardized service (7-day return and 

exchange + lifetime warranty), nationwide 

warranty 

Missing after-sales service or ambiguous 

terms (such as "parts not covered") 

Marketing 

channels 

Cooperation between e-commerce platforms, 

offline pharmacies and hospitals 

Relying on low-price promotions through e-

commerce and lacking brand exposure 

User stickiness 
High repurchase rate (40%), dependent on 

brand trust 

Low repurchase rate (<10%), price-sensitive 

users are prone to churn 

 

Top merchants (such as Alibaba Health, Yuyue) : Full category coverage of mid-to-high end (200-2000 yuan), 

providing standardized after-sales service (7-day return and exchange + lifetime warranty), multi-channel 

marketing, user repurchase rate 40%. 

Long-tail merchants (such as Duwang and Kangle Medical) : Focus on low prices (<200 yuan) or segmented 

devices, lack of after-sales service, rely on e-commerce low price promotions, repurchase rate < 10%. 

2.4 User Behavior and Market Pain Points 

2.4.1 Key Factors for User Decision-Making 

Low price market (<200 yuan) : The decision path is price ranking → sales ranking → order placement. The pain 

point is that 37% of users give up repurchase due to the lack of after-sales service. The negative review keywords 

are "poor quality" and "customer service ignoring people". 

Mid-to-high-end market (200-2000 yuan) : The decision path is brand search → feature comparison → service 

terms review → order. The pain point is that 50% of users give negative reviews due to "parts not covered by 

warranty", and the keywords are "high repair costs" and "clause tricks". 



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Ultra-premium market (>2000 yuan): The decision path is professional review → offline experience → 

institutional purchase. The pain point is that 60% of users consider it "complicated to use", with the key words 

being "difficult to operate" and "insufficient training". 

2.4.2 Summary of Core Market Pain Points 

 

Table 5. Summary of Core Market Pain Points 

Price 

range 
Product pain points Service pain points Channel pain points 

<200 

yuan 

Poor quality (25% complaint 

rate) 

No after-sales service or slow 

response (45% complaint rate) 

Lower market coverage is 

less than 30% 

200- 

1,000 

yuan 

Feature homogeneity (60% 

product similarity) 

Complex terms (such as 

"Battery only for 3 months") 

Missing offline experience 

(only 10% support trial) 

>1000 

yuan 

High technical threshold 

(dependent on imported 

components) 

High maintenance costs (2,000 

+ per year) 

Long B-end procurement 

cycle (averaging 3 months) 

 

2.5 External Environment and Trend Insights 

2.5.1 Policy and Technology-Driven 

Policy benefits: Subsidies for household medical equipment: It is expected to cover 30% of elderly families by 

2025, promoting a 40% increase in the sales of nursing beds and oxygen generators. Simplified approval for Class 

II medical devices: 50% shorter time-to-market cycle for intelligent products (from 12 months to 6 months). 

Technology upgrade: AI+ Internet of Things: The penetration rate of dynamic health monitoring devices (such as 

blood glucose meters) increases by 40 percent annually. G Remote services: Cloud-based management of 

physiotherapy device data boosts user retention by 25%. 

2.5.2 Aging and Evolving Needs 

Explosive growth in essential categories: Nursing beds and oxygen generators have a 50% demand gap in second 

- and third-tier cities, with an annual growth rate of over 35%. The penetration rate of rehabilitation trainers in 

postoperative home care scenarios rose to 28 percent. 

Consumption upgrade trend: Mid-to-high-end users are willing to pay a premium for "service + experience" (such 

as a 20% premium rate for lifetime warranty products). The proportion of online shopping among the silver-haired 

group rose from 15% in 2020 to 35% in 2023. 

3. Analysis of Consumption Status 

3.1 Consumer Profiling Analysis 

3.1.1 Basic Information 

Gender: 55.6% female, 44.4% male. 

Age distribution: 60-65-25.4 percent, 66-70-24.6 percent, 71-75-22.8 percent, 76-80-17.0 percent, over 80-10.2 

percent. 

Living with spouses: 40.1%, living with children: 30.1%, living alone: 16.1%, living in a nursing home: 13.7%. 

Health: 50.5% suffer from chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, 47% have difficulty moving due to 

joint problems or physical disabilities, and 38% have visual and auditory impairments. 

Occupational background: Workers, farmers and civil servants were 142, 113 and 92 respectively, accounting for 

13%, 11% and 9.1% of the total. 

3.1.2 Descriptive Statistical Analysis [11] 

The data in different dimensions showed diverse distribution characteristics: slightly more females than males in 

terms of gender; The age range is concentrated between 60 and 70; The living situation is mainly cohabiting with 

spouse or children, with family support; In terms of health, chronic diseases and mobility issues are common, and 

there is a high demand for health monitoring and assistive devices; Occupations are diverse, with a high proportion 



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of workers, farmers and civil servants, and there may be differences in the demand for smart products among 

different occupations. 

3.1.3 Cluster Analysis [12] 

Cluster variable selection: including gender, age, living conditions, health status, occupational background, 

frequency of use of smart products, motivation for use, problems encountered, expectations for the products, etc. 

Clustering results: Respondents were divided into four categories using the K-Means clustering algorithm. 

Technology and novelty (about 20%) : Predominantly 60-65 years old men, in good health, highly educated and 

well-paid; High acceptance of smart products, demand for sports assistance and health monitoring devices, 

expecting intelligence and personalization. 

Health demand type (about 30%) : Predominantly female, aged 66-75, with a high proportion of chronic diseases 

and moderate income; Demand for health monitoring devices, focus on price and quality, with problems of 

complex operation and unstable quality. 

Assistive dependent (about 25%) : Predominantly female over 76 years old, with mobility issues, hearing and 

hearing impairments, and low income; Dependent on assistive devices that are easy to operate, inexpensive and 

reliable. 

Integrated service type (about 25%) : available for all age groups, with a high proportion of residents in elderly 

care institutions and complex health conditions; Diverse demands (health monitoring, assistive devices, 

entertainment and social activities) require personalized services. 

3.2 Product Consumption 

3.2.1 Usage 

Assistive products: Overall usage rate 73.1%. Smart wheelchairs (51.2%), smart crutches (46.6%), smart walkers 

(39.6%) have higher usage rates, while smart nursing beds (28.5%) have lower usage rates. 

 

Figure 1. Use of assistive devices 

 

Digital products of traditional Chinese medicine: The overall usage rate was 81.8%, with digital meridian massage 

devices (52.1%), moxibustion equipment (49.0%), and traditional Chinese medicine constitution identification 

devices (45.2%) being the most popular. 

 

Figure 2. Use of digital products in Traditional Chinese medicine 



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3.2.2 Purchase Considerations 

Auxiliary: Quality is the top priority (66.4%), followed by price advantage (60.8%), frequency of use (59.8%), 

and functionality (44.0%). 

Digital products of traditional Chinese medicine: Similar to assistive devices, mainly "no demand" (80.5%/81.3%), 

high price (15.9%/16.0%), complex operation (15.9%/17.1%). 

3.2.3 Purchase Channels 

 

Figure 3. Purchase Channels for smart Products for the Elderly 

 

Two types of smart products, namely assistive devices and digital products of traditional Chinese medicine, are 

mainly purchased online (38.65%), followed by hospitals (25.68%), brand brick-and-mortar stores (18.93%), and 

pharmacies (17.38%). 

4. Influencing Factors of Willingness and User Research 

4.1 Basic Analysis Calculation of Product Attributes 

Summarize and describe[13] the basic characteristics, attributes, and statistical information of the dataset to obtain 

the following data: 

 

Table 6. Statistical description of product attributes based on the data in the master table 

Statistics Q8 Q9 Q10 Q11 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 

Mean 7.044 6.971 6.957 6.875 6.990 6.951 6.939 7.039 

Median 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 

Variance 3.951 3.584 4.383 4.565 4.583 4.158 4.602 3.838 

Standard deviation 1.988 1.893 2.094 2.137 2.141 2.039 2.145 1.959 

Coefficient of variation 0.282 0.272 0.301 0.311 0.306 0.293 0.309 0.278 

 

In the survey of smart products for health care, the central tendency (median) for quality (Q8 and Q16), utility 

(Q10 and Q17), price (Q9 and Q18), and after-sales service (Q11 and Q19) were all 7 points. 

Dispersion: The price of digital products of traditional Chinese medicine (Q18) has a variance of 4.602 and a 

standard deviation of 2.145, with the most significant difference; The quality (Q16) has a standard deviation of 

2.141 and a large perceived difference. 



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Relative dispersion: After-sales service for assistive devices (Q11) coefficient of variation 0.311, score fluctuation; 

The coefficient of variation in quality (0.282-0.306) is higher than that in price (0.272-0.293), and there is greater 

individual variation in quality acceptance. 

4.2 Research on the Relationship Between Product Attributes and Satisfaction Based on Pearson Correlation 

Analysis 

4.2.1 The Concept of Proxy Variables 

Satisfaction proxy variables refer to the use of the average of observable specific indicators (such as quality, price 

scores) in a study to indirectly measure abstract concepts (such as overall satisfaction) that are difficult to measure 

directly. In this study, the mean scores of Q8-Q11 were used as the satisfaction proxy variable for assistive devices, 

and the mean scores of Q16-Q19 were used as the satisfaction proxy variable for digital intelligent products of 

traditional Chinese medicine. 

4.2.2 Pearson Correlation Analysis [14] 

Using Pearson correlation analysis for data analysis of Q8-Q11 and Q16-19, the following results were obtained: 

 

Table 7. Correlation Table of Smart Products for Assistive Devices 

Variables 
Q8 Quality 

Score (1-10) 

Q9 Price 

Score (1-10) 

Q10 

Practicality 

Score (1-10) 

Q11 After-sales 

Service Score 

(1-10) 

Assistive device 

satisfaction proxy 

variable 

Q8 Quality Score 

(1-10) 
1 

0.182 

(0.000***) 

0.204 

(0.000***) 
0.28 (0.000***) 0.636 (0.000***) 

Q9 Price Score (1-

10) 

0.182 

(0.000***) 
1 

0.224 

(0.000***) 

0.249 

(0.000***) 
0.616 (0.000***) 

Q10 practicality 

score (1-10) 

0.204 

(0.000***) 

0.224 

(0.000***) 
1 

0.242 

(0.000***) 
0.651 (0.000***) 

Q11 After-sales 

Service Score (1-

10) 

0.28 

(0.000***) 

0.249 

(0.000***) 

0.242 

(0.000***) 
1 0.695 (0.000***) 

Assistive device 

satisfaction proxy 

variable 

0.636 

(0.000*** 

0.616 

(0.000***) 

0.651 

(0.000***) 

0.695 

(0.000***) 
1 

Note: ***, **, * represent significance levels of 1%, 5%, and 10% respectively, with p values in parentheses. 

 

Assistive devices: Quality, price, utility, after-sales service and satisfaction were all significantly positively 

correlated, with after-sales service having the highest correlation with satisfaction (0.695), highlighting its 

importance. 

 

Table 8. Correlation table of Smart Products for Digitalization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 

Variables 
Q16 Quality 

Score (1-10) 

Q17 Price 

Score (1-

10) 

Q18 After-sales 

Service Score (1-

10) 

Q19 

Practicality 

Score (1-10) 

Proxy variables for satisfaction 

with traditional Chinese 

medicine 

Q16 Quality score (1-10) 
1 

(0.000***) 

0.217 

(0.000***) 
0.322 (0.000*** 

0.285 

(0.000***) 
0.688 (0.000***) 

Q17 Price Score (1-10) 
0.217 

(0.000***) 

1 

(0.000***) 
0.258 (0.000***) 

0.28 

(0.000***) 
0.648 (0.000***) 

Q18 After-sales Service score 

(1-10) 

0.322 

(0.000***) 

0.258 

(0.000***) 
1 (0.000***) 

0.246 

(0.000***) 
0.69 (0.000***) 

Q19 Practicality score (1-10) 
0.285 

(0.000*** 

0.28 

(0.000***) 
0.246 (0.000***) 1 (0.000***) 0.659 (0.000***) 

Proxy variable for satisfaction 

with traditional Chinese 

medicine 

0.688 

(0.000***) 

0.648 

(0.000***) 
0.69 (0.000***) 

0.659 

(0.000***) 
1 (0.000***) 



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Digital products of traditional Chinese medicine: Quality, price, after-sales service, practicality and satisfaction 

were all significantly positively correlated, with quality (0.688) and after-sales service (0.69) being the core drivers. 

4.3 Differences in the Use and Demand of Smart Products Among Different Populations 

4.3.1 Comparison of Consumption Between Different Genders 

Pearson chi-square test results showed that the association between gender and the use of assistive devices, as well 

as the choice of smart wheelchairs (such as those that can navigate automatically and climb stairs) and smart 

nursing beds (such as those that can turn over automatically and monitor vital signs) was statistically significant 

(P<0.05); There was a significant association (P<0.05) between gender and the use of digital intelligent products 

of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the selection of traditional Chinese medicine constitution identification 

devices. Women had a higher demand for health monitoring (64.51%) than men (59.52%); Men have a higher 

need for social communication (27.13%) than women (23.43%). 

4.3.2 Comparison of Consumption by Age Group 

 

Figure 4. Consumption Chart of assistive Devices for Different Ages 

 

The use of assistive devices among the elderly in Beijing varied significantly by age (P<0.05). Those over 80 years 

old had the highest demand for mobility AIDS (56.19%), and those between 60 and 65 years old had the highest 

demand for health monitoring (66.67%); The 76-80 age group had the highest demand for social communication 

(31.43%). 

 

Figure 5. Consumption Chart of digital products of Traditional Chinese Medicine at different ages 

 

Age has a limited impact on the use of digital products in traditional Chinese medicine. Only the smart moxibustion 

device (F=2.2, P=0.058) and the Traditional Chinese medicine constitution identification device (F=2.36, P=0.051) 

have marginal significant differences, with a slightly higher usage rate among the elderly group. Functional 

requirements and health awareness are the main drivers. 

 



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4.3.3 Comparison of Consumption in Different Living Situations 

 

Figure 7. Cross-diagrams of assistive devices for elderly people in different living situations (1: Yes; 0: no) 

 

Assistive: Smart care beds in elderly care institutions have the highest usage rate (22.18%), and those living with 

spouses have the highest unused rate (51.26%). 

 

Figure 8. Cross-graph of digital products of Traditional Chinese medicine for elderly people with different living 

conditions (1: Yes; 0: No) 

 

Digitalization of traditional Chinese medicine: 0% unused in elderly care institutions, the highest proportion 

(48.13%) among those living with spouses. 

4.3.4 Comparison of Consumption at Different Levels of Health 

In terms of assistive devices, the mobility impairment group had the highest proportion of using smart wheelchairs, 

reaching 30.06%, significantly higher than other groups; Cognitive decline groups have the highest demand for 

smart nursing beds, at 18.87%; All groups generally have higher usage rates for smart crutches and smart walkers, 

both exceeding 20%. 

Among digital products in traditional Chinese medicine, the chronic disease group had the highest usage rate of 

smart moxibustion devices (27.95%); Visually or hearing impaired people prefer digital meridian massage devices, 

with a proportion of 27.49%; Cognitive decline groups have a higher usage rate of TCM constitution identification 

devices (24.89%). 

 

Table 9. Cross-analysis table of multiple response frequencies for different health conditions and assistive devices 

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 251 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 

 

Good health, no obvious 

illness 

144 

(21.114%) 
1 (0.147%) 83 (12.17%) 165 (24.194%) 127 (18.622%) 162 (23.754%) 682 191.504 0 

Suffering from chronic 

diseases (such as high blood 

pressure, diabetes, heart 

disease, etc.) 

94 

(8.53%) 
3 (0.272%) 174 (15.789%) 298 (27.042%) 240 (21.779%) 293 (26.588%) 1102 191.504 0 

Visual or hearing 

impairments 

43 

(4.909%) 
0 (0%) 139 (15.868%) 258 (29.452%) 206 (23.516%) 230 (26.256%) 876 191.504 0 

Cognitive decline (such as 

memory loss, etc.) 

35 

(5.327%) 
1 (0.152%) 124 (18.874%) 184 (28.006%) 149 (22.679%) 164 (24.962%) 657 191.504 0 

Have mobility impairments 

(such as joint pain, physical 

disability, etc.) 

54 

(5.056%) 
1 (0.094%) 189 (17.697%) 321 (30.056%) 235 (22.004%) 268 (25.094%) 1068 190.001 0 

Total 370 6 709 1226 957 1117 4385  0 

 

Table 10. Cross-analysis table of multiple response frequencies for different health conditions and digital products 

of Traditional Chinese medicine 

G
ro

u
p
in

g
 o

f 
it

em
s 

1
5
. 

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n

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o
f 

th
em

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n
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1
5
. 

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1
5
. 

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M

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m
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o

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l 

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² 

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Good health, no obvious 

illness 

99 

(13.808%) 

1 

(0.139%) 

182 

(25.384%) 

146 

(20.363%) 

121 

(16.876%) 

168 

(23.431%) 
717 122.225 0 

Suffering from chronic 

diseases (such as high 

blood pressure, diabetes, 

heart disease, etc.) 

60 (5.24%) 
1 

(0.087%) 

307 

(26.812%) 

248 

(21.659%) 

209 

(18.253%) 

320 

(27.948%) 
1145 122.225 0 

Visual or hearing 

impairments 

31 

(3.507%) 
0 (0%) 

243 

(27.489%) 

206 

(23.303%) 

165 

(18.665%) 

239 

(27.036%) 
884 122.225 0 

Cognitive decline (such 

as memory loss, etc.) 

21 

(3.075%) 
0 (0%) 

171 

(25.037%) 

170 

(24.89%) 

145 

(21.23%) 

176 

(25.769%) 
683 122.225 0 

Have mobility 

impairments (such as 

joint pain, physical 

disability, etc.) 

43 (4%) 0 (0%) 
290 

(26.977%) 

260 

(24.186%) 

205 

(19.07%) 

277 

(25.767%) 
1075 122.225 0 

In total 254 2 1193 1030 845 1180 4504  0 

 

4.3.5 Differences in Needs Among Different Populations 

 

Table 11. Combined Table of Gender, Age and Health Status 

Demand side 
Over

all 
Gender Age Health status 

  

F
em

al
e 

(A
) 

M
al

e 
(B

) 

O
v

er
 

8
0

 
y

ea
rs

 

o
ld

 (
A

) 

7
6
-8

0
 (

B
) 

7
1
-7

5
 (

C
) 

6
6
-7

0
 (

D
) 

6
0
-6

5
 y

ea
rs

 o
ld

 

(E
) 

H
av

e 
A

 c
h

ro
n

ic
 

il
ln

es
s 

(A
) 

H
av

e 
m

o
b
il

it
y

 

is
su

es
 (

B
) 

V
is

u
al

/h
ea

ri
n
g

 

im
p

ai
rm

en
t 

(C
) 

C
o
g
n

it
iv

e 

d
ec

li
n
e 

(D
) 

O
th

er
s 

(E
) 

 % % % % % % % % % % % % % 

A. Mobility 

issues (such as 
51.31 50 52.74 56.19 52.57 48.94 54.41 47.04 56.73 57.02 54.99 59.06 100 



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walking, going 

up and down 

stairs) 

B Health 

monitoring (such 

as blood 

pressure, blood 

sugar, heart rate, 

etc.) 

62.41 64.51 59.52 59.05 53.71 60.85 66.67 66.4 61.35 57.85 57.29 60.4 100 

C Rehabilitation 

training 
43.14 43.53 42.45 39.05 41.71 43.83 42.15 45.85 43.85 44.83 43.22 46.31 100 

D Daily care 

(such as bathing 

and dressing) 

36.81 37.94 35.23 38.1 33.14 39.57 36.02 36.76 36.35 36.36 36.32 40.27 - 

E. Recreation 29.8 30.59 28.67 29.52 29.71 32.34 29.12 28.06 30.19 28.72 29.67 30.2 - 

F. Social 

communication 
25.12 23.43 27.13 28.57 31.43 25.53 24.9 18.97 28.65 26.86 26.09 26.17 - 

Total 248.59 250 245.73 250.48 242.29 251.06 253.26 243.08 257.12 251.65 247.57 262.42 300 

 

By gender, women have a higher need for health monitoring (64.51%) than men (59.52%), and men have a higher 

need for social communication (27.13%) than women (23.43%). 

In terms of age, those over 80 have the highest need for mobility assistance (56.19%), while those between 66 and 

70 have the lowest (47.04%); Those aged 60-65 have the highest demand for health monitoring (66.67%), and 

those aged 76-80 have the lowest demand (53.71%); The 71-75 age group had the highest demand for daily life 

(39.57%) and recreation (32.34%), the 76-80 age group had the lowest demand for daily life (33.13%), and the 66-

70 age group had the lowest demand for recreation (28.06%); The 76-80 age group had the highest need for social 

communication (31.43%). 

In terms of health status, those with mobility impairments have the highest need for mobility assistance (59.06%), 

those with chronic diseases have the highest need for health monitoring (66.4%), and those with cognitive decline 

have the highest need for daily care (40.27%). 

4.4 Analysis of Key Factors Influencing Satisfaction and Purchase Intention Based on Multiple Linear Regression 

Models 

Linear regression [16] is a statistical analysis method that uses regression analysis in mathematical statistics to 

determine the quantitative relationship of interdependence between two or more variables. The expression is y = 

w'x+e, where e is the error following a normal distribution with a mean of 0. If the regression analysis includes 

two or more independent variables and there is a linear relationship between the dependent variable and the 

independent variables, it is called multiple linear regression analysis. 

The multiple linear regression model verified the strong correlation between product attributes and satisfaction: 

Assistive devices: Adjusted R²=1, after-sales service (Beta=0.405) had the greatest impact on satisfaction, 

followed by utility (0.396), quality (0.376), and price (0.358), with good variable independence (VIF=1.11-1.166). 

Digital products of Traditional Chinese medicine: Adjusted R²=1, quality (Beta=0.385) and after-sales service 

(0.385) have the greatest impact, followed by price (0.366), utility (0.352), and no multicollinearity (VIF=1.143-

1.187). 

Overall, the satisfaction of both types of products was affected by the four key dimensions of quality, price, utility 

and after-sales service, and the model fit was high and significant overall, with good independence of each 

dimension. 

 

 

 

 

 



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4.5 Research on Obstructive Factors of Consumer Behavior 

 

Figure 9. Diagram of the main problems of assistive smart products 

 

Assistive devices: Unstable quality (57.31%), complex operation (51.99%), high price (51.86%) are the main 

problems, and only 1.46% of users have no feedback. 

 

Figure 10. Improvement diagram of digital smart products for Traditional Chinese Medicine 

 

Digitalization of traditional Chinese medicine: The core improvement requirements are ease of operation (64.01%), 

safety (57.96%), therapeutic effect (56.89%), and the requirements for personalization and price are relatively low. 

5. Problems, Countermeasures and Suggestions 

5.1 Problem Countermeasures 

Market supply and demand contradictions: Lack of after-sales service for low-priced products, ambiguous service 

terms for mid-to-high-end products, and complex operations for ultra-high-end products; There is a significant gap 

between top and long-tail merchants. 

Group demand differences: Four consumer groups differ significantly in demand, frequency of use, and focus of 

attention. 

Satisfaction factors: Quality and after-sales service at the core, after-sales service has the greatest impact on 

assistive devices, quality and after-sales jointly determine the satisfaction of digital products of traditional Chinese 

medicine. 

Consumer barriers: Quality, operation, price, maintenance and other issues are prominent, improvement needs 

focus on basic experience. 

5.2 Recommendations 

5.2.1 Market Stratification Optimization Strategy 

Low price market (<200 yuan) : Build “regionalized quick repair points” with 72-hour response service; Promote 

trade-in to lower the threshold for decision-making. 



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Mid-to-high-end market (200-1000 yuan) : Publicize the warranty coverage and warranty process of accessories; 

Introduce “membership-based extended warranties” to ease the problem of high repair costs. 

Ultra-premium market (over 1,000 yuan) : Embed “one-click mode” with video instructions; Join forces with top-

tier hospitals for “clinical trial certification” to strengthen trust. 

5.2.2 Directions for Breaking the Competitive Landscape 

Top merchants: Modularize the after-sales system, offer “after-sales management” to small and medium-sized 

dealers, and expand the ecological advantage. 

Long-tail merchants: Focus on “niche essentials” and adopt the “pre-sale + customization” model; Jointly build 

“shared repair stations” to enhance service coverage. 

5.2.3 Supply and Demand Mismatch Solutions 

Assistive devices: Push “basic smart wheelchairs” (retain core functions to reduce costs); Work with senior 

universities to optimize age-friendly details. 

Digitalization of Traditional Chinese medicine: Designing a “three-step operation method” with acupoint stickers; 

Work with community TCM clinics on “equipment rental + physician home visit” packages. 

5.2.4 Capture of external environment dividends 

Policy: Priority application for smart oxygen generators, etc. to be included in the “Home Medical Equipment 

Subsidy” directory, with subsidy information and application instructions marked on the details page. 

Technology: Add “abnormal data warning” to the physiotherapy device; Set up “smart rehabilitation experience 

points” in second – and third-tier cities to drive the transformation of essential needs. 

5.2.5 Consumer Conversion Strategies 

 

Table 14. Consumer Conversion Strategy Table 

Groups Core pain point Strategy Case 

Technology 

Tastes New 

Complex to operate 

and redundant in 

function 

Open up product beta testing 

and push modular products 

to support customization 

Huawei's "Senior Mode" 

physiotherapy device offers 

lifetime firmware updates to beta 

users 

Health Needs 

type 

Price-sensitive, 

difficult to operate 

Community clinics bind 

equipment rental to simplify 

the operation process 

Omron Community "Blood 

Pressure Monitoring Station", get 

a 20-yuan coupon after blood 

pressure measurement 

Assisted 

dependent 

Expensive, distrustful 

online 

The community has a "test 

ride week" with family 

training 

Yuyue "Accessibility Station", 

buy a wheelchair and get 

installation plus one month of free 

repair 

Integrated 

Service type 

The solutions are 

scattered and the 

services are 

disconnected 

Work with nursing homes on 

"smart care packages" and 

open a "one-click repair" 

channel 

Haier customizes "health data 

dashboards" for nursing homes, 

allowing family members to check 

equipment reports 

 

5.2.6 Publicity and Marketing Strategies 

Emotional resonance: Make short videos such as "Elderly people living alone buy groceries with smart crutches" 

and share them in the Silver-haired section of Douyin; Launch the "Silver-haired Health Care Program" and donate 

1 yuan for each unit sold to the community elderly care center. 

Online and offline collaboration: Open a "Silver-haired Smart zone" online (large font, voice customer service, 

children pay on behalf), and use AI for targeted push; Offline, set up "experience corners" (scan the code to try 



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out and get a 50-yuan coupon) at community stations, and work with hospitals and pharmacies to promote 

compatible products. 

6. Conclusions and Prospects 

6.1 Conclusions 

This study systematically analyzed the demand characteristics, usage status and satisfaction factors of assistive 

devices and digital intelligent products of traditional Chinese medicine among more than 1,000 elderly people 

aged 60 and above in Beijing through a mixed-method survey, and reached the following main conclusions: 

There are significant structural contradictions in market demand: there is a serious lack of after-sales service in the 

low-price market (<200 yuan), opaque service terms in the mid-to-high-end market (200-1000 yuan), and complex 

operation in the ultra-high-end market (>1000 yuan), which restricts the popularization of products and user 

experience. 

The demand of the elderly group shows distinct stratified characteristics: through K-means clustering analysis, 

four groups of people were identified as technology and novelty, health demand, auxiliary dependence, and 

comprehensive service, and there were significant differences among them in terms of product functionality, price 

sensitivity, and service demands. 

Product quality and after-sales service are the core factors influencing satisfaction: multiple linear regression 

analysis shows that satisfaction with assistive devices is primarily driven by after-sales service (Beta=0.405), while 

for digital products of traditional Chinese medicine, both quality and after-sales service are determined 

(Beta=0.385). Practicality and reasonableness of price are also important influencing factors. 

Consumption barriers are mainly at the basic experience level: unstable quality, complex operation, high price, 

and difficult maintenance are the main factors hindering elderly users from purchasing and using, and improvement 

demands are highly concentrated in basic dimensions such as ease of operation, safety, and therapeutic effect. 

6.2 Outlook 

Product optimization should focus more on age-friendly and functional simplification: It is recommended that 

enterprises focus on the development of core functions, avoid functional redundancy, strengthen age-friendly 

designs such as "one-click operation" and "voice interaction", and lower the usage threshold. 

Build a tiered, precise service and marketing system: Develop differentiated strategies for different groups, such 

as providing modular customization for technology users and community experience and family training for 

assistive dependent users to enhance conversion rates and user stickiness. 

Strengthen the after-sales service system and policy coordination: Promote the establishment of a regional rapid 

repair network and transparent quality guarantee terms, actively connect with the subsidy policy for home medical 

equipment, and enhance the accessibility and trustworthiness of products. 

Promote the integration of digitalization of traditional Chinese medicine and smart assistive devices: Explore 

integrated solutions of "equipment + service + data", such as equipment leasing and door-to-door services in 

collaboration with community traditional Chinese medicine clinics, to enhance the integrity of the service chain 

and the user experience. 

Strengthen interdisciplinary research and data-driven iteration: Encourage industry-university-research 

cooperation, deepen the integration of geriatric behavior, rehabilitation medicine and intelligent technology, and 

continuously optimize product design and service models based on user data to promote the development of the 

health and wellness industry towards high quality, humanization and sustainability. 

In the future, with the continuous maturation of technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of 

Things and the continuous release of policy dividends, smart elderly care products are expected to play a greater 

role in improving the quality of life of the elderly and alleviating the pressure of care, providing solid support for 

building an age-friendly society. 

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