China will launch a fleet of special “silver trains” specially built for the comfort and safety of elderly people to encourage its rapidly ageing population to travel – and spend – more, as it grapples with a demographic decline and stuttering economy.

China to launch ‘silver trains’ aimed at elderly tourists to boost economy - China aims to launch more than 100 ‘high-quality railway routes for elderly tourism’ by 2027

Seniors generally have relatively flexible and ample leisure time, and the addition of tourist trains will make full use of nonpeak transportation periods to provide better services for elderly travelers, the ministry said.

China plans to roll out a network of tourist trains equipped with medical and elder-care facilities as part of its efforts to create a “silver economy” and unlock the spending power of its aging population.