China is pushing its elderly population to volunteer in community services as the nation grapples with an aging population and a shrinking workforce.
The National Committee on Ageing issued new guidelines Friday (September 20) to promote the Silver Age Action initiative, a program launched two decades ago to support volunteer work by older citizens, South China Morning Post reported.
The initiative aims to boost the participation of elderly volunteers in underdeveloped regions, with a focus on improving services such as childcare, senior care, disability assistance, and support for disadvantaged children, according to a statement from the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
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Local authorities have been urged to integrate Silver Age Action into regional cooperation plans between eastern and western provinces. The guidelines stress enlisting educated seniors to contribute their expertise in less-developed areas, further supporting China’s economic and social development.
China’s demographic problem
China’s elderly population is growing rapidly. In 2023, citizens aged 60 and above reached 297 million, accounting for over 21 per cent of the population, while those aged 65 and above totalled 217 million, making up 15.4 per cent, according to government data. Projections suggest that by 2035, nearly a third of China’s population will be aged 60 or older.
The new guidelines also propose reserving a portion of volunteer positions at large events for seniors and encourage the creation of an online platform to match elderly volunteers with community needs.
The committee plans to further institutionalise the program by 2026, aiming to make it a recognised “key brand” by 2028 for older citizens looking to remain active and contribute their skills.
The push to involve elderly volunteers comes amid broader efforts to manage the effects of China’s aging population. Last week, the country’s top legislature approved a plan to raise the retirement age by up to five years by 2040.
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Starting in January, the retirement age will gradually increase by several months each year. Additionally, the minimum contribution period required for a basic pension will rise from 15 years to 20 years by 2030.