Toys enhance seniors' well-being and engagement

Seniors engage with a toy designed to enhance mental agility under the guidance of a social worker at a social welfare center in Taijiang district, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian province, July 8, 2025. (Photo/Zhang Wenliang)

Every morning at 7 a.m., the garden of Xinqin Jiayuan residential community in Gongshu district, Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang province, comes to life with the energetic presence of 81-year-old resident Chen Zuxing. Dressed in sportswear and a cap, Chen has recently developed a passion for senior-friendly toys. On days when the weather is favorable, he eagerly descends to the garden to enjoy these activities.

Chen Zuxing's living room is filled with fitness and puzzle toys, thoughtfully chosen by his grandson, Chen Jiaqi. These include a rebound ping-pong trainer, an elastic chess set, a ring-toss machine, and a head-mounted boxing ball that have brought joy and activity to Chen's later years.

"My favorite is the rebound ping-pong trainer," Chen Zuxing said as he placed it in the center of the room. With each swing of his racket, the ball rebounded at unpredictable angles, creating a constant rhythm of "ping-pong" sounds throughout the space.

"These toys improve flexibility and sharpen reflexes," he explained, demonstrating his skills with a "fast-reaction stick grabber" fixed to his bedroom doorframe. As five colorful sticks dropped through a transparent tube, he skillfully caught three with a flick of his wrist, prompting his wife to cheer: "That's one more than yesterday!"

Wiping the sweat from his brow, Chen Zuxing reflected on his lifelong love of sports. "I've always loved sports. In the past, I had to organize a group, find a venue, and set up the table to play ping-pong. It was a hassle. Now I can play anytime, whether in the living room or downstairs, keeping my body active."

On the occasion of the Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, which honors the elderly across China, Chen Jiaqi introduced his grandfather to his first toy: an elastic chess set. Chen Zuxing found it somewhat childish, but after learning the rules and even defeating his grandson a few times, he found it far more engaging than watching TV.

"As grandpa ages, I wanted to find something to keep him entertained while offering some exercise," said Chen Jiaqi. "I bought the toys online, watched video tutorials, and taught him how to play."

Seniors play tabletop bowling at a social welfare center in Taijiang district, Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian province, July 8, 2025. (Photo/Zhang Wenliang)

Before incorporating toys into his routine, Chen Zuxing's exercise regimen was limited to daily walks. Now, the stick grabber helps enhance his reflexes, the chess game stimulates his mind, and the head-mounted boxing ball keeps him physically engaged. These simple devices have significantly improved his daily life.

Whenever he plays outside, curious neighbors often stop to watch. Chen enthusiastically shares his experience, saying, "These little gadgets are more effective than health supplements. They keep both your hands and mind active, far more stimulating than passively watching TV or scrolling through a phone."

Chen Jiaqi also continues to add to his grandfather's collection of toys. On a business trip to Yiwu, a city renowned for its booming small commodity trade in Zhejiang province, he came across a whack-a-mole machine and brought it back to Hangzhou. "People enjoy novelty toys. This one helps grandpa work on his reflexes and doesn't take up much space," he explained.

As demand for such toys grows, many vendors are increasingly recognizing the market potential for senior-friendly products. At a stall in Yiwu International Trade Market, shelves are stocked not only with children's toys but also puzzles and handicraft kits designed for elderly adults.

Zhang Yan, a long-time toy vendor at the market, highlighted that the "silver economy" has been emphasized in the government work report for two consecutive years. "Puzzle toys tailored for seniors provide emotional support," she said. "Activities like basket weaving or crafting bags help exercise coordination between the hands, eyes, and mind."

Elsewhere in the market, customers gathered around Lin Liyuan's stall as she demonstrated a small, lightweight wrist-strengthening ball. "It's safe and fun, and just a flick sends it flying a long way. It helps loosen seniors' joints," she explained.

According to Chen Meijun, vice president of the Yiwu Toy Industry Association, toys for seniors respond to the growing needs of the elderly for emotional fulfillment, social connection, and physical well-being. "They're not merely time fillers," Chen emphasized.

Today, the market offers a wide range of senior-friendly toys that combine both functionality and practicality. "Many elderly adults seek a higher quality of life and emotional fulfillment. They are willing to spend on toys that bring joy, health, and opportunities for social interaction," Chen said.