China Urges Senior Citizens to Engage in Community Service as Population Ages
Seniors Empowered to Contribute to Community
China's government has called on senior citizens to take part in volunteering for community services as the country grapples with a declining workforce and an aging population. The National Committee on Ageing has unveiled guidelines for the Silver Age Action initiative, aimed at fostering a sense of purpose among elderly individuals through civic engagements.
Focus Areas for Senior Volunteers
- Childcare assistance
- Elder care support
- Disability assistance
- Patrol and safety activities
- Support for “left-behind” children in rural areas
The guidelines stress the importance of integrating these volunteer efforts with regional development plans, especially in less developed western provinces. By encouraging elderly participation, China aims to safeguard their rights and enhance their involvement in both economic and social spheres.
Addressing Economic and Demographic Challenges
As one of the world’s largest economies, China is facing significant demographic shifts, with over 21.1% of its population being aged 60 and above, and projections indicating that this figure could rise to 32.7% by 2035. To counteract these trends, the guidelines also recommend establishing an online platform to better connect senior volunteers with community needs.
By 2026, the Silver Age Action program aims to become a standardized initiative, providing meaningful engagements for seniors while addressing the pressing issues of an aging population and economic adjustments.
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