Seniors urged to contribute unique skills

Life experiences of older adults of real value to socioeconomic development

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.