Govt looks to harness older people's potential

In-depth discussions

The subject of how to cope with aging as individuals and as a nation prompted in-depth discussions among political advisers and legislators during this year's two sessions－the largest annual event in the nation's political calendar－which ran from March 4 to 11.

The Government Work Report, released on March 5, pledged that more efforts will be devoted to "proactively responding to the aging population and on improving elderly care in urban and rural areas".

Yuan Wen, president of Shanghai Normal University and a member of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said experts have predicted that the number of people age 60 and older will reach 400 million in 2035 and 487 million in 2050. Last year, the figure was about 267 million.

"However, the idea that the elderly are simply a burden still exists. More efforts are needed to reach a consensus that seniors can make achievements and to establish frameworks to encourage their participation in social activities while ensuring their safety," Yuan said.

One approach would be to guide the participation of more seniors in volunteer activities by providing them with suitable opportunities and incentives, she added.

According to China Women's News, the number of volunteers like Liu in Xicheng district has reached more than 70,000. As 70 percent of them are female and most are age 58 to 65, they have gained the affectionate nickname of the "Xicheng Aunties".

Speaking on the sidelines of the fifth session of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, Huang Gairong, head of the gerontology department at the Henan Provincial People's Hospital, said seniors are a major force in the promotion of cultural inheritance and the development of society.

She cited the examples of Zhong Nanshan, a prominent respiratory expert who remained active on the front line of the battle against COVID-19 in his 80s, and Tian Hua, a 93-year-old actress who attended an event during this year's Spring Festival Gala to chat with students majoring in acting.

"It is suggested that seniors should have a positive mindset and take part in social activities," Huang said. "Society should also view the rising number of seniors in a positive light and create conditions to help them remain active."

When a locally transmitted outbreak of COVID-19 hit Hohhot, capital of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Feb 16, a group of retirees age 61 to 78 began helping community workers maintain order and log information for mass nucleic acid testing.

"There are many ways to spend time after retirement. For us, volunteering nourishes our minds," Yao Shuying, a member of the volunteer team, told local media. "To be able to offer help within our capabilities makes us feel content and valued."

Ji Junying, a community worker in Hohhot, said the seniors' involvement in virus control work has helped address the shortage of related staff members.

"They are also very familiar with people in their residential complexes, so they can help inform us and track down high-risk groups more efficiently," she added.