To Care

Photo by Fabrizio Azzarri on Unsplash

Population aging is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2030, one in six people globally will be 60 years or older (WHO, 2025). In China, the government reported that by 2023, the number of people aged 60 and above had reached nearly 297 million, accounting for 21.1% of the total population (Chinese Government, 2024). This trend will continue to accelerate. WHO projects that by 2050, the world’s population of people aged 60 years and older will double to 2.1 billion. The elderly form such a large proportion of society that none of us can afford to ignore.

Yet their living conditions remain concerning. In China, WHO data indicate that around 75% of older adults suffer from noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension (WHO Aging and Health). They are among the sickest groups, yet paradoxically, they are also among the least informed when it comes to modern health knowledge. Limited educational background and difficulties in using digital technologies often prevent them from accessing reliable medical resources.

Despite their numbers and needs, the elderly are often overlooked in today’s internet-driven society. While younger generations are constantly exposed to new information, digital tools, and scientific advancements, older adults are frequently left behind. Many struggle with even basic digital tasks, such as making online hospital appointments or distinguishing trustworthy medical information from health scams. As a result, they are more vulnerable to misinformation, irrational drug use, and even financial fraud. Their voices are rarely heard in the public sphere, and their perspectives are largely absent from the narratives that shape our modern society. The elderly are a major underrepresented group that urgently needs attention and support. Their challenges are not only rooted in social exclusion but also manifest in concrete issues: health misinformation, barriers to medical access, and a widening digital divide. Addressing inclusivity for the elderly is therefore not just about representation, but about safeguarding their health and overall well-being.

This year, SUSTech-Med chose to focus on the elderly population, aiming to bridge this gap. Through our iGEM project, we strived to ensure that scientific knowledge becomes an accessible and reliable resource, improving not only the scientific literacy of elderly adults but also their dignity and quality of life.