Letters | Grow senior fitness to solve China’s youth unemployment
Readers discuss a two-in-one solution for Chinese society, encouraging Hong Kong students to exercise, improving elderly mental health, and the power of poetry
Most seniors in China take a reactive approach to health and fitness and tend to address issues only when they arise. While pharmacies, clinics and hospitals are readily available in many Chinese cities, fitness centres and gyms are less common. This break-fix model is detrimental to the healthcare system.
This significant gap in the marketplace presents a valuable opportunity to promote proactive health and fitness programmes among seniors. Addressing this need could generate employment opportunities for youth, reduce healthcare costs and increase demand for real estate.
In the United States, around 700,000 people are employed in gyms and fitness clubs. This figure includes roles such as personal trainers and support staff.
China’s population is almost four times that of the United States. Even at similar service levels, we could be looking at almost 3 million employment opportunities.