Union Comm’s APEC Research Report Highlights Tech for Older Adults

Union Communications (“Union Comm”), a leading policy advocacy and communications agency in Hong Kong, proudly announced that its latest research report, “APEC Digital Solutions and Technologies for Senior Citizens’ Connectivity and Healthiness: Best Practice Report,” has been officially published on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) website (https://www.apec.org/publications/2025/12/apec-digital-solutions-and-technologies-for-senior-citizens'-connectivity-and-healthiness--best-practice-report).

Commissioned under the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI), this comprehensive study provides a critical roadmap for harnessing digital solutions and technology to support healthy and active ageing across the region. It explores how tools can enhance connectivity, health outcomes, and quality of life for senior citizens across APEC economies.

Notably, the report anticipated a key policy direction that has now been formally recognized in the 2025 APEC Leaders’ Gyeongju Declaration (https://www.apec.org/meeting-papers/leaders-declarations/2025/2025-apec-leaders--gyeongju-declaration), which marks the first time APEC has explicitly identified demographic change as a regional economic challenge. The Declaration underscores that demographic shifts, including declining birth rates, ageing populations, and rapid urbanization, are transforming the Asia-Pacific economy and society. Leaders collectively endorsed the APEC Collaborative Framework for Demographic Changes, calling for “holistic and intergenerational policies” to respond to these long-term transitions.

Today, several APEC economies such as Japan (29.8% in 2024); Hong Kong, China (22.7%); and the Republic of Korea (19.3%) have already entered the “super-aged” (20% of population 65+) stage. By 2040, more than half of member economies will have become either “aged” (14% of population 65+) or “super-aged”. This trend underscores the urgency of technology-driven solutions and inclusive policy frameworks that enable seniors to remain connected, healthy, and economically active.

Drawing on desk research, expert interviews, and insights from an APEC seminar, the report identifies best practices and policy approaches across four key dimensions:

• Digital connectivity: Expanding access to affordable broadband and user-friendly technologies.

• Digital literacy and capacity building: Embedding lifelong digital learning and intergenerational training programs.

• Digital health solutions: Integrating telehealth, AI, and smart care systems into public health frameworks.

• Caregiver support: Utilizing digital platforms, smart-home tools, and robotics to empower caregivers.

This publication marks another significant milestone for Union Comm in the APEC ecosystem, as the fifth APEC report, following our previous successful research deliverables. It reflects our deep expertise in conducting high-stakes, policy-relevant research and our commitment to projects that create sustainable social impact.

Union Comm also extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Beijing International Exchange Association (https://www.bjexchange.cn/) for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this project.