With its recent foray into the Hong Kong market, Starsleep isn’t just offering furniture — it’s providing smart, tech-driven solutions aimed at drastically improving the quality of life for the elderly.  From adjustable rotating beds to state-of-the-art massage chairs, and even an app to track sleep patterns and medication, the company has its sights set on dominating the smart furniture market for an often overlooked demographic.  We caught up with Zou Gebing, founder and chief executive officer of Charme, to learn more about how Starsleep aims to fill the gaps in elderly care through innovative technology and what the entry into Hong Kong means for the future of health tech. The story so far Gebing has a special attachment to Hong Kong, as he started the MorriSofa brand there in 2017, which has now become a well-known sofa brand in the local marketplace. “I love Hong Kong and its people, it’s a great place to do business. So when I created the Starsleep products, I decided to launch this product first in Hong Kong to help the elderly and the local community,” he told Inside Retail. According to the Hong Kong government, the number of elderly persons is projected to increase from 1.45 million in 2021 to 2.74 million in 2046, meaning more than one in every three people in Hong Kong will be a senior citizen.  Gebing said that launching Starsleep in Hong Kong will help to address this issue by bridging a gap in the market gap for products catering to the ageing population. The products Two of the brand’s flagship products include an adjustable rotating bed, Orin, and adjustable massage chair, Starise. Gebing said both products incorporate advanced motor and control systems that allow for precise and customised positioning. “Orin’s rotating feature is unique in the market, providing enhanced mobility. It’s the first rotating bed launched in Hong Kong. Its rotating feature was designed to assist the elderly to get up safely and reduce the risk of falls and injuries,” he added. Moreover, Starise’s massage capabilities utilise cutting-edge technology for maximum comfort and relaxation. Another product developed by the company is the Starnote app, which monitors sleep patterns and general health. In addition, it also has a feature that addresses the emotional well-being of the elderly, ensuring they don’t feel isolated or lonely. The app was developed with the understanding that mental health is crucial to physical health, and therefore introduces the concept of ‘caregiver groups’, which could play a pivotal role in mitigating loneliness among seniors. Mitigating loneliness “Within these groups, seniors can invite their children, friends, home nurses, and anyone else they care about. This fosters emotional interaction and support. Caregivers can actively engage with seniors, sharing stories, memories, and virtual companionship,” Gebing he noted. The app will not only provide data insights to users, but in future, it will also offer solutions through the soon-to-launch Starnet services.  “Once the app has gathered comprehensive information about the senior’s health and preferences, it can suggest further treatment options, rehabilitation programs, or wellness retreats through Starnet,” he said.  This holistic approach ensures that seniors not only monitor their health but also receive actionable solutions to improve their overall well-being. “In essence, we aim to create an ecosystem that combines advanced healthcare monitoring, emotional support, and access to tailored healthcare services, all designed to enhance the quality of life for the silver generation,” he stressed. The big picture Falls are one of the most common injuries suffered by the elderly. Around one in three adults over the age of 65 and half of those over 80 will have at least one fall a year.  The injuries themselves may not be life threatening, but broken bones can lead to loss of confidence, independence and ultimately impact people’s mental health. Gebing plans to collaborate with elderly home-care operators by providing products that are sleeker and less expensive when compared to conventional brands. “Moreover, our 24-hour risk-alert feature will play a pivotal role in intelligent elderly care. This feature offers institutional settings an invaluable tool for real-time monitoring of the health status of elderly residents,” he noted. He touts Starsleep as an affordable luxury product. For example, the brand’s massage chairs cost between HK$7000 (US$894) and HK$10,000 (US$1278), and its other products are priced similarly. The future To make products more accessible to more people, Gebing plans to open more bricks-and-mortar stores in the future. One exciting addition to the company’s product lineup will be the introduction of smart wheelchairs and transfer chairs designed to enhance the mobility of seniors.  “These mobility aids will not only provide ease of movement within their homes but also offer the opportunity for seniors to venture into the external world, fostering independence and an active lifestyle,” he stressed. Moreover, the brand plans to expand its Starnet services to provide a broader range of solutions tailored to the unique needs of the elderly.  These services will include wellness programs, telehealth consultations, and even opportunities for seniors to connect with their peers and engage in social activities.  “In essence, our second range of products will be a continuation of our mission to enhance the lives of seniors, focusing on their health, comfort, and overall quality of life. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we work diligently to bring these innovations to fruition,” he concluded.