On the eve of China's Seniors' Day, President Xi Jinping extended heartfelt greetings to the nation's elderly population, emphasizing their invaluable contribution to society and the nation. Seniors' Day falls on Friday this year, marking a moment of reflection and appreciation for the generations that have shaped China's journey.
Xi Jinping, 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 hopes for the elderly to be well cared for, to enjoy fulfilling lives, and to continue pursuing their passions. His message was conveyed in a letter addressed to representatives of the seniors participating in the national voluntary initiative known as the \"Silver Age Action.\"
In the letter, Xi acknowledged the active involvement of these senior volunteers in recent years. \"Members of the 'Silver Age Action' have actively participated in volunteer activities, applying their knowledge, skills, and experience to serve the public,\" he noted. \"This embodies the spirit of the Chinese elderly in the new era.\"
Highlighting the importance of the senior population, Xi remarked, \"The seniors are a valuable asset to both the Party and the country.\" He urged Party committees and governments at all levels to prioritize work related to the elderly, calling for efforts to address their pressing concerns and to improve relevant policies and measures.
China's population aged 60 and above approached 300 million by the end of 2023. Projections suggest this number will exceed 400 million by 2035 and reach 500 million by 2050, underscoring the significance of supporting an aging population.
Xi called for fostering a supportive social environment where the well-being and rights of the elderly are protected. \"We must enable them to contribute effectively to society,\" he emphasized, encouraging seniors to remain active participants in the nation's development.
The \"Silver Age Action\" initiative, launched in 2003, aims to leverage the expertise and knowledge of senior professionals across various domains to assist in the development of underdeveloped areas. Through this program, retired professionals contribute to social progress by sharing their wealth of experience.
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Xi Jinping extends greetings to elderly on eve of China's Seniors' Day
cgtn.com
