The inaugural Healthy Ageing Tech Show opened yesterday (2nd) at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1, with President Lai Ching-te attending the opening ceremony. Lai stated that Taiwan will enter a super-aged society next year, and he outlined the "Healthy Taiwan" national vision. He emphasized that if the people are healthy, the nation will be stronger, and the world will embrace Taiwan. Lai announced plans to implement technology, promote the "Healthy Taiwan Deep Cultivation Plan," continue advancing the "Elderly Technology Industry Action Plan," and push for progress in the smart, biotech, and medical industries, all aimed at making Taiwan a leader in the healthy ageing industry.
President Lai’s attendance at the expo was seen as a warm-up for the "Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee." His speech focused on how various aspects such as industry, care, assistive technology, and digital services can promote the health of the people and drive economic development.
He shared that he had just visited the adjacent Taiwan Food Expo, which was packed with people, and noted that the Healthy Ageing Tech Show was also bustling with visitors. This, he said, indicates that people want to eat well, live healthily, and live long lives. "I believe that when people go to temples, they have an unspoken rule: Taiwanese people only pray for peace and health, not for longevity. This shows the humility and wisdom of the Taiwanese people, because living peacefully and healthily naturally leads to longevity, without needing to ask for it specifically," he remarked, receiving enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Lai pointed out that Taiwan will enter a "super-aged society" next year, with data showing that the average life expectancy in Taiwan is now over 80 years. However, 10% of this extended lifespan, approximately 8 years, is spent in ill health, meaning many elderly people spend their later years bedridden and in need of care. "When I was running for office last year, I thought about what I could do for the people compared to previous presidents. Since I am a doctor, I proposed the Healthy Taiwan national vision. If the people are healthy, the country will be stronger, and the world will embrace Taiwan. Taiwan's tech industry is strong, and its health services are strong. If we achieve a Healthy Taiwan and a thriving health industry, the world will naturally embrace Taiwan," Lai explained.
He further expressed his vision: "One day, I hope the IBMI and the government can jointly host an event that attracts major players in biomedicine to Taiwan." This statement was met with a wave of applause. Lai also mentioned that the Executive Yuan has approved a 10 billion NT dollar fund for new cancer drugs, aiming for sustainable health insurance and improved working conditions for medical personnel. The government will proceed step by step to address these issues. In response to the challenges of a super-aged society and international pressures, the government aims to provide more comprehensive medical services, making Taiwan a global leader in the healthy ageing industry.
Resource (mandarin): 出席健康博覽會！總統賴清德誓言台灣要成高齡健康產業領頭羊
