Chinese President Xi Jinping has sent greetings to the elderly on the occasion of China's Senior Citizens' Day, which falls on Friday this year.
Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed hope that the elderly will be well provided for, enjoy life and continue their activities.
Xi said this in a letter to representatives of seniors participating in the nationwide voluntary initiative.
In the letter, Xi praised the members of the initiative, called "Silver Age Action," for actively participating in volunteer activities in recent years and applying their knowledge and skills and what they are good at to public service.
This embodies the spirit of China's elders in the new era, Xi said.
Xi pointed out that seniors are valuable assets to the Party and the country, and urged Party committees and governments at all levels to give priority to work related to seniors.
China's population aged 60 and over will approach 300 million by the end of 2023. It is projected to exceed 400 million by 2035 and reach 500 million by 2050.
Xi called for efforts to focus on addressing the pressing problems of the elderly, improve relevant policies and measures, promote a healthy social environment, ensure the protection of their welfare and rights, and enable them to make effective contributions to society.
The initiative was launched in 2003 with the aim of using the expertise and experience of senior professionals from different fields to help develop underdeveloped areas.
CMG/ gnews - RoZ
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