Volume 3 · Issue 4 (2026)
Pathways for Generation Z to Address the Difficulties of Cognition, Usage, and Payment for Smart Healthcare and Elderly Care Robots
Jialin Yu1, Lei Tian2,*
1 School of International Economics, University of International Relations, Beijing, China
2 Data Research Center, China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, Beijing, China
Corresponding Author: Lei Tian
Abstract: The accelerated population aging process in China has created a vast market for smart health and elderly care robots, but their large-scale promotion faces three major constraints: cognitive barriers, usage difficulties, and payment obstacles Existing research predominantly focuses on the binary analytical framework of government and market forces, whilst relatively neglecting the potential role of intergenerational family relationships in consumer decision-making. Based on Intergenerational Solidarity Theory, this paper constructs an intergenerational transmission chain of "information acquisition—purchase intention—family payment" to explore how Generation Z, as "digital natives", can participate in addressing the structural challenges of elderly care robots— cognitive barriers, usage difficulties, and payment obstacles —from the life cycle of "active aging" to "disability care". This study provides theoretical perspectives and policy insights for building a techno-humanistic elderly care service system with Chinese characteristics.
Keywords: Intergenerational Solidarity Theory; Generation Z; Elderly care robots
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