In brief
A growing number of Chinese residents feel isolated in huge cities, sparking a niche industry dubbed the “loneliness economy.” Companies now hire young people, called temporary children, to spend time with older adults, offering companionship, walks, and conversation. BBC correspondent Stephen McDonell visited a startup that matches these helpers with lonely seniors, revealing how the model generates income for both parties while boosting mental health for the elderly. Critics warn the trend may oversimplify ageing care, but supporters say it fills a crucial gap in a rapidly aging society.
In China’s towering metropolises, crowds mask a quiet solitude. New research shows many people—especially the elderly—feel cut‑off despite the city’s bustle.
To counter this, a niche market has surfaced, known as the "loneliness economy." Businesses now offer young people—often teens or young adults—to act as temporary children for seniors. They walk, chat, and accompany their elders, providing both companionship and a modest paycheck.
BBC China correspondent Stephen McDonell has followed one such company into the real world. He meets seniors who claim the visits lift mood, while staff explain a matching algorithm that matches personalities and schedules. The model is tech‑driven, with a mobile app that allows seniors or families to request a companion, set preferences, and rate the experience.
While critics argue the service might commercialise a basic human need, many see it as an innovative care solution for a society where the elderly now live apart from younger generations. This eyes‑opening trend shows how new businesses are reimagining social care in an age of connectivity—and a generation of lonely city dwellers who still crave human touch.
