Seniors urged to contribute unique skills

China will step up support for the elderly, encouraging them to contribute their knowledge, skills and experience to socioeconomic and cultural development to help address the country's aging population woes and improve older residents' sense of fulfillment and happiness.

Nineteen central departments — including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Education — recently issued a guideline promoting greater social engagement for seniors. The document was made public on Thursday night.

Under the guideline, China aims to build a more supportive environment for elderly participation by 2029. By that time, any unreasonable or inappropriate restrictions that prevent seniors from taking part in social activities will have been removed, and public services for older adults in such fields as education, culture and sports will have been improved and expanded.

By 2035, authorities hope to have established a more comprehensive service system to support senior engagement and create more diverse job opportunities for elderly people. The country also aims to make better use of seniors as resources and promote more positive public awareness about aging.

The guideline outlines a number of measures to enhance senior participation, including increasing legal literacy, encouraging volunteer service, expanding access to lifelong education and creating more high-quality employment opportunities.

Seniors are encouraged to contribute their expertise in fields such as education, technology, healthcare, agriculture, sports and culture by participating in volunteer programs in their local communities or in rural areas. Local governments and volunteer associations are urged to provide supplies and insurance for elderly volunteers, as well as conduct regular health checkups. Authorities will also recognize outstanding senior volunteers to boost their sense of achievement.

Elderly education is a key focus, with the guideline encouraging private providers to open branches in villages, residential communities and nursing homes. More senior colleges will be built nationwide to increase access to quality educational resources for older adults.

The document also calls for better use of senior talent, urging local governments to create suitable job positions for retirees and establish human resources agencies dedicated to elderly employment. More skills training programs will be offered to older jobseekers.

To protect elderly workers' rights, the guideline requires employers to clearly specify pay, working hours and social insurance when hiring retirees. Illegal practices that harm the rights of elderly workers will be strictly punished.

The document emphasizes that elderly citizens are a "precious treasure" to the nation, with valuable knowledge, skills and ethics. Supporting seniors in social engagement not only helps them pursue personal fulfillment but also contributes to China's modernization drive.

chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn