To enhance the cognitive and rehabilitative benefits of its products, the company collaborated with the Health Science Center (HSC) of Xi'an Jiaotong University and an Alzheimer's prevention group based in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province.

　　So far, the company has secured more than 30 patents and supplies products to over 500 elderly care institutions across the country.

　　Meanwhile, Yunhe is also eyeing international markets. In recent years, the county has expanded exports of its wooden toys to senior schools, nursing homes and community centers overseas.

　　“In 2024, our products were successfully exported to Germany, Japan, and other markets, where they've been warmly received by elderly users,“ Yin said.

　　In the first quarter of this year, the company's sales of elderly-oriented wooden toys rose 50 percent year on year.

　　According to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, China's elderly population is projected to grow by more than 10 million annually over the next decade. By 2035, the silver economy is expected to account for 9 percent of China's GDP, up from 6 percent today.

　　Data from market research firm iiMedia Research shows that China's elderly care industry reached 12 trillion yuan (about 1.68 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2023, up 16.5 percent year on year. The silver economy is projected to hit around 30 trillion yuan by 2035, accounting for about 10 percent of GDP.

　　The innovation in niche segments is opening up new avenues in the silver economy, according to Zhang Jinsong, secretary general of the Elder Education on Aging Committee of China Gerontological Society.

　　“The silver economy is poised to evolve from meeting basic needs to fulfilling aspirations for quality and enjoyment,“ he said. “That shift will unleash enormous potential.“