With the widespread adoption of mobile internet and smart devices, digital technology has become deeply integrated into daily life. At the same time, however, challenges faced by older adults in using smart devices and accessing digital services have gradually emerged. Since 2020, news reports have frequently highlighted situations in which elderly people were unable to present health codes or purchase train tickets due to difficulties with smartphones, making "helping seniors bridge the digital divide" a prominent public concern.
The government has responded swiftly. In November 2020, the General Office of the State Council issued the Implementation Plan for Effectively Solving Difficulties Faced by Seniors in Using Smart Technology. During China's 2021 two sessions, "age-friendly smart services" were included in the government work report for the first time. Subsequently, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology encouraged internet companies to accelerate age-friendly adaptations, promoting technological innovation to enhance digital experiences for seniors.
Against this backdrop, QuVideo has actively explored the application of digital technology in "technology-assisted aging." The company launched the "Class is On! Grandpa & Grandma" philanthropy program, which combines age-friendly product adaptations, classroom teaching, and brand-driven outreach to help seniors more easily embrace digital life.
In fact, the silver generation's demand for creating and sharing video content is growing rapidly. According to statistics, from 2010 to 2020, the number of internet users aged 60 and above in China increased from 8.67 million to 60.54 million. Short videos have gradually become an important tool for seniors to record life moments and communicate with family and friends.
In May 2021, the first session of QuVideo's philanthropy classroom was held at Hangzhou Yunxin Senior University, attracting dozens of grandpas and grandmas. At the same time, QuVideo launched an age-friendly large-font version of the VivaVideo app, featuring a clearer interface and simplified operation, lowering the barrier to entry for senior users. During the class, QuVideo worked with volunteers from multiple universities in Hangzhou to provide one-on-one instruction, guiding seniors in video shooting and basic editing through familiar, life-based scenarios.
To match the content preferences of elderly users, QuVideo also introduced video templates with themes such as "Party Building" and "Travel," helping participants quickly turn their daily footage into personal short video creations. With the patient guidance of volunteers and instructors, many participants completed their very first edited video.
"Many of us retirees have smartphones and really want to shoot and watch videos, but we don't know how to film, let alone edit," said Ms. Bian, 66. She noted that the course not only solved practical operational challenges but also provided a valuable space for seniors to exchange and learn.
Beyond helping seniors overcome the digital divide, the program aims to ignite creative enthusiasm and self-expression among older adults. Through video, seniors can record life, share emotions, and strengthen family connections, achieving self-expression and value recognition in the digital era.
Looking ahead, the "Class is On! Grandpa & Grandma" program will continue to reach more communities and senior groups, promoting the adoption of age-friendly products and public welfare initiatives, and enabling seniors to fully enjoy the convenience and warmth of the digital economy.