'Enjoyable Silver Age' to rejuvenate aging population

Central authorities, led by the Ministry of Civil Affairs, have plans to launch a nationwide annual recreational and fitness program for the elderly, as the country steps up efforts to address the social and cultural needs of its rapidly aging population.

The "Enjoyable Silver Age" series, set to begin this year, aims to promote well-being and active lifestyles among older adults, according to a circular posted on the ministry's website on Saturday.

The initiative covers six major areas: arts and culture, creative activities, reading, fitness, wellness and tourism, and science popularization.

"Ensuring a happy and fulfilling old age for the elderly is a key part of the Chinese path to modernization," a ministry official said in a question-and-answer session accompanying the notice.

Under the arts program, local governments will be encouraged to organize elderly-focused art performances, talent competitions, galas, and grassroots cultural events, including temple fairs and village spring galas.

Activities will showcase music, dance, opera, recitation, costume performances and folk arts. Authorities are calling on artists and cultural workers to take part in public welfare activities that bring cultural offerings to elderly people, particularly those in rural areas.

The creative culture initiative will support painting, calligraphy, photography and video exhibitions, while encouraging elderly participation in creating poetry, folk art, short videos and microfilms.

The government will also support the production of films, television programs and variety shows on elderly themes, and improve broadcast channels tailored for older audiences.

The reading program will organize national reading promotion activities during designated reading weeks, combining traditional print materials with digital reading, audio books and online classrooms. A volunteer training program will also be launched to guide elderly readers.

In addition, sports activities will feature national and regional senior sports meets, along with initiatives to promote pastimes popular among older adults, such as hiking, fitness walking, tai chi, baduanjin qigong — a traditional Chinese meditative exercise — and table tennis.

The circular also encourages the development of travel products suitable for elderly travelers and multigenerational family trips, with plans to launch senior-friendly tourist train routes and optimize flight schedules to key destinations.

A science popularization initiative will expand educational opportunities for the elderly, promote digital literacy, and strengthen awareness campaigns to help them avoid telecommunications fraud.