On the eve of China’s Seniors’ Day, set to be celebrated this Friday, Chinese President Xi Jinping extended heartfelt greetings to the nation’s elderly population.
In his message, Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed his hope that the elderly are well cared for, enjoy fulfilling lives, and continue to pursue their passions.
Xi conveyed his sentiments in a letter addressed to representatives participating in the national volunteer initiative known as “Silver Age Action.” This initiative, launched in 2003, mobilizes senior professionals to leverage their expertise and knowledge to support the development of underdeveloped areas.
He acknowledged the active participation of the initiative’s members in recent years, highlighting how they have utilized their skills to serve the public. “This embodies the spirit of the Chinese elderly in the new era,” Xi remarked.
Emphasizing the valuable contributions of seniors to both the Party and the country, Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels to prioritize work related to the elderly. He called for efforts to address the pressing concerns of the senior population, improve relevant policies, foster a supportive social environment, and protect their well-being and rights. Xi encouraged enabling the elderly to continue contributing effectively to society.
China’s demographic data underscores the significance of these efforts. By the end of 2023, the population aged 60 and above approached 300 million. Projections suggest this number will exceed 400 million by 2035 and reach 500 million by 2050.
As China prepares to honor its seniors on their special day, Xi’s message reinforces the nation’s commitment to supporting its aging population and harnessing their invaluable experience and wisdom for the country’s continued development.
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Xi Jinping extends greetings to elderly on eve of China's Seniors' Day
cgtn.com
