“Preparing for aging” mindset
Shifts in Social Structure: Weakening of Traditional Support Systems
Decline of Multigenerational Households: With fewer extended families living together, adult children often struggle to provide daily care due to work commitments and geographical distance.
Increased Life Expectancy: The "longevity era" means retirement could span 20–30 years or more, requiring more extensive resources and long-term planning.
Pressure on Public Resources: Sole reliance on social pension systems is unsustainable, necessitating greater individual responsibility.
Evolution of Personal Expectations: From Survival to Living Well
Desire for Autonomy: The new generation of older adults (e.g., future retirees from the 1960s–70s cohorts) is better educated and more financially independent. They seek control and choice in their later years rather than passive acceptance of arrangements.
Pursuit of Quality of Life: Aging is no longer just about basic care but also about "aging with joy, learning, and purpose." Fulfillment and mental well-being have become central demands.
Risk Awareness: Growing concerns about age-related risks such as disability, cognitive decline, and loneliness are driving proactive searches for preventive solutions.
Advancements in Health Awareness: Prevention Over Cure
Modern medicine confirms that functional decline—including cognitive deterioration and muscle loss—is a gradual process that can be significantly delayed through lifelong engagement. At the heart of "preparation for aging" is the "accumulation of health capital," with toys serving as one engaging and sustainable tool in this endeavor.