Today, seniors are increasingly availing themselves of the convenience and entertainment resulting from technological progress. According to a survey by Google and global market research and consulting firm Ipsos, 59 percent of U.S. citizens above 67 log on to social networking platforms at least once a day.

As they explore a more technologically advanced way of life, the silver economy is growing. According to projections by Bank of America Merrill Lynch wealth management division, the silver economy market will reach $15 trillion by 2020.

One important feature of the silver economy is intelligent products. Robots that can take care of the elderly, equipment that can locate people suffering from Alzheimer's and other kinds of intelligent appliances have improved senior citizens' quality of life while injecting vitality into the market.

The silver economy has also become a new driving force for social progress. The Japanese vision is to build a super smart society, using artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things and big data to provide diverse products and services to ease the pressure of an aging society.

According to a government document released in January, Japan aims to become an "ageless society" where people over 65 will not be automatically regarded as seniors but will be encouraged to stay healthy and continue to work.

Japan's experience may provide some references for China to address the challenges from an aging society.

(This is an edited excerpt of an article originally published in People's Daily on April 1)