新华网沈阳11月17日电（记者姜兆臣）11月16日晚，由辽宁省民政厅、辽宁省老龄办指导，辽宁省老年服务协会主办的"辽宁省第二届老年歌手大 赛颁奖典礼"在辽宁省歌剧院举行，经过决赛激烈角逐，共有12个团体和18名个人获得名次。 "怡享・盛情"辽宁省第二届老年歌手大赛于2025年3月25日启动，活动吸引了全省6000余名来自各行各业的退休人员踊跃参赛。大赛不仅是一场音 乐的狂欢，更集中展现了新时代老年人"老有所为、老有所乐"的银龄风采，为辽宁省老年文化事业注入新活力。经过初赛、复赛，1000余名选手齐 聚决赛。 颁奖典礼上，曾静、吕继宏、侯国栋、火风、王洁实、李丹阳、于文华、佟铁鑫等艺术家登台与老年朋友互动，现场气氛热烈。 颁奖仪式后，大赛组委会正式宣布，"第三届辽宁省老年歌手大赛"启动。主办方表示，将不断提升赛事品质，增强品牌影响力，为老年人展示风采 提供更广阔的舞台。 据悉，辽宁省第二届老年歌手大赛是辽宁省适老化项目之一，得到全省老年人的积极反馈。一些参加比赛的银龄歌手表示，以音乐为纽带，通过赛 事增强了老年群体的社会参与感，也提升了幸福感与获得感。 "辽宁省老年歌手大赛的成功举办，传递了积极老龄观、健康老龄 ...

Core Viewpoint - The articles emphasize the importance of promoting a positive view of aging and the active participation of the elderly in society, highlighting various initiatives across different regions in China to support and encourage older adults to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to social development [1][2][3]. Group 1: Initiatives and Activities - Guizhou has launched the "Silver Age Qianxing" volunteer service initiative, calling on elderly volunteers to promote new social norms [1] - Sichuan's Leshan has introduced a sports carnival for the elderly, advocating for a healthy lifestyle among older adults [1] - Guangdong's Huangpu District in Guangzhou hosted a cultural performance themed "Silver Age Youthful Spirit Reflecting on Chongyang," showcasing the positive spirit of the elderly [1] Group 2: Understanding Aging - The Ministry of Civil Affairs and other departments have issued guidelines to deepen public understanding of population aging, aiming to integrate positive aging concepts into all aspects of economic and social development [2] - There is a need to correct misconceptions about the elderly being a "burden" on society and to recognize their potential contributions [2] - The article stresses the importance of acknowledging both the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population [2] Group 3: Value of the Elderly - The core of promoting a positive aging perspective lies in recognizing the unique value of the elderly and their active roles in society [3] - Many retired elderly individuals continue to contribute significantly across various fields, representing a valuable societal asset [3] - Local initiatives, such as encouraging elderly volunteers and innovative practices like "shared grandmothers," demonstrate how older adults can positively impact community life [3] Group 4: Building an Age-Friendly Society - The article advocates for the integration of age-friendly modifications into urban renewal and rural living environment improvements [3] - Development of inclusive digital environments and expansion of elderly education are highlighted as essential steps towards creating a supportive atmosphere for older adults [3] - The potential for elderly individuals to realize personal value and continue to thrive in society is emphasized, particularly in the context of China's modernization efforts [3]

Core Viewpoint - Jiangsu province is actively addressing the challenges of an aging population by enhancing elderly care services and promoting a high-quality development model for elderly welfare, which is essential for social progress and the well-being of its citizens [1][9] Group 1: Aging Population Statistics and Policies - Jiangsu has a significant aging population, with 25.5% of its residents aged 60 and above, surpassing the national average by 3.5 percentage points [1] - The province has established four key systems to improve elderly care: policy framework, service guarantees, supervision management, and social participation [1] Group 2: Community Engagement and Volunteerism - Community initiatives, such as the "New Well Community Canteen," facilitate direct communication between community leaders and elderly residents, addressing their needs effectively [2] - Over 656,000 elderly individuals have participated in volunteer activities, contributing to community service and enhancing social cohesion [2] Group 3: Educational Opportunities for the Elderly - The establishment of "doorstep elderly universities" has increased access to education for seniors, with a participation rate of 25% among the elderly population [3] - Jiangsu has exceeded its target for the number of elderly universities, with at least four in each district [3] Group 4: Aging-Friendly Infrastructure and Services - Jiangsu is implementing aging-friendly modifications in homes and communities, with a focus on enhancing the living environment for seniors [4] - The province has initiated a program to replace old consumer goods with new, age-appropriate products, with a budget of 300 million yuan allocated for home modifications [4] Group 5: Sustainable Development of Elderly Care Institutions - Jiangsu is promoting a multi-layered approach to elderly care services, ensuring that institutions are not solely reliant on government support but also explore market-driven solutions [5][6] - The province has prioritized land allocation for elderly care facilities, with 56 plots designated for this purpose last year [6] Group 6: Coordination and Policy Implementation - The establishment of a high-level provincial aging committee reflects a commitment to coordinated efforts in addressing aging issues, with 32 member units involved [7] - Jiangsu has developed a "15-minute elderly service circle," ensuring that a significant portion of the elderly population has access to essential services [7] Group 7: Quality of Care and Social Security - Over 70% of nursing beds in Jiangsu are now dedicated to elderly care, with significant investments in specialized care for cognitive impairments [8] - The province has improved its pension system, with a focus on expanding coverage and increasing benefits for retirees [8] Group 8: Future Directions - As the "14th Five-Year Plan" concludes, Jiangsu aims to enhance its aging services framework, transitioning from mere "elderly care" to a more enriching "enjoying old age" experience [9]

Core Viewpoint - The aging population in China is a significant issue, with over 310 million people aged 60 and above, projected to exceed 400 million by 2035, necessitating a comprehensive approach to address the challenges and opportunities presented by this demographic shift [1][2] Group 1: Policy and Guidance - The Ministry of Civil Affairs has released guidelines to enhance public understanding of the aging population, emphasizing the need for a proactive and effective response to the challenges posed by aging [1] - The guidelines set phased goals for 2029 and 2035, aiming to integrate positive aging perspectives and healthy aging concepts into the entire process of economic and social development [1] Group 2: Education and Implementation - The initiative focuses on various aspects of education, including content, target audience, infrastructure, social atmosphere, and organizational implementation [2] - Three key highlights of the guidelines include clarifying what to educate, who to educate, and how to educate, with plans to establish an expert database and a team of speakers to enhance educational resources [2] - The Ministry of Civil Affairs will prioritize promoting educational content, strengthening educational platforms, forming speaker teams, and innovating educational methods to broaden the reach and impact of the education initiative [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Civil Affairs and other departments have jointly issued guidelines to enhance education on the national situation of population aging, aiming to integrate positive aging concepts and healthy aging into the entire process of economic and social development, fostering a societal consensus and proactive action to address population aging [1][3]. Group 1: Education Initiatives - The guidelines emphasize the need for education on the aging situation, aging policies and regulations, positive aging concepts, healthy aging ideas, and traditional culture of filial piety [3]. - Development of demonstration courses for education on population aging will be implemented, incorporating this education into training for party members, officials, and educational institutions, targeting various groups including party and government officials, youth, the elderly, and the general public [3][5]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Resource Development - Strengthening the foundational infrastructure for education on population aging includes establishing a national expert database and a team of educators, as well as promoting online learning platforms to enrich educational resources [5]. - The Ministry of Civil Affairs aims to utilize existing public service platforms to enhance resource supply for education on population aging, involving practitioners, experts, and retired professionals as educators [5]. Group 3: Support for Grassroots Elderly Associations - The guidelines encourage grassroots elderly associations to seek funding through various means and support social forces in participating in their development through donations [7]. - The associations are expected to act as a bridge to reflect the reasonable demands of the elderly and protect their legal rights, leveraging their experience in grassroots governance and rural revitalization to contribute to social and economic development [7][9].

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Civil Affairs and other departments have jointly issued guidelines to enhance public understanding of the opportunities and challenges posed by population aging, aiming to foster a proactive and effective response to this demographic shift [1][2]. Group 1: Education and Awareness - The guidelines emphasize the need for comprehensive education on population aging, integrating positive aging concepts and healthy aging principles into all aspects of economic and social development [1]. - Specific educational content includes the study of Xi Jinping's important discourses on aging, as well as education on aging policies, laws, and traditional cultural values of filial piety [1][2]. - The education on population aging will be incorporated into training for party members and officials, school political education, and courses in senior universities [1][2]. Group 2: Infrastructure and Resource Development - The guidelines propose the development of demonstration courses for population aging education and the establishment of a national expert database and a team of educators [2]. - There is a focus on creating online learning platforms and enriching educational resources related to population aging [2][3]. Group 3: Social Engagement and Activities - To foster a positive societal atmosphere for addressing population aging, the guidelines suggest organizing engaging community activities and leveraging media to promote awareness [2]. - The creation of culturally relevant artistic works related to aging and filial piety is encouraged to enhance public interest and participation [2]. Group 4: Implementation and Coordination - The guidelines call for a structured approach involving party leadership, government initiatives, departmental collaboration, and community participation in population aging education [2][3]. - The Ministry of Civil Affairs plans to establish a team of educators composed of professionals and volunteers to promote awareness and education on population aging [3].

Core Insights - Jiangsu Province has released its 2025 Aging Development Report, marking the 17th consecutive year of publication, detailing the aging population status and development achievements across the province and its 13 cities [1] Population Aging Status - In 2024, Jiangsu's population aging shows characteristics such as zero growth in the resident population, a slight adjustment in the increase of the elderly population, a small rebound in birth rates, and an average life expectancy exceeding 80 years [1] - The province added 860,000 elderly individuals in 2024, with the total population aged 60 and above reaching 21.75 million, accounting for 25.5% of the total population, which is 3.5 percentage points higher than the national average [1] - The population aged 65 and above reached 15.94 million, representing 18.7% of the total, exceeding the national average by 3.1 percentage points [1] Longevity and Health - Jiangsu has entered a "Longevity Era," with 3.25 million residents aged 80 and above, making up 15.29% of the elderly population [2] - The number of centenarians reached 8,811, an increase of 128 from the previous year, with cities like Nantong and Xuzhou having over 1,000 centenarians each [2] - The province's average life expectancy has surpassed 80 years, achieving the "14th Five-Year Plan" goal ahead of schedule, reflecting improvements in the healthcare system and residents' health levels [2] Elderly Population Characteristics - By the end of 2024, the low-age elderly population (60-64 years) reached 5.81 million, an increase of 650,000 from the previous year, accounting for 75.6% of the elderly population growth [2] - The proportion of elderly individuals with a high school education or above has risen to 15.87%, an increase of 4.5 percentage points over the past decade, indicating a significant improvement in the educational level of the elderly population [2] Government Initiatives and Economic Development - The provincial government emphasizes aging work and integrates positive aging concepts into economic and social development, promoting the construction of an elderly-friendly society [3] - Jiangsu is focusing on developing the silver economy, particularly in elderly product manufacturing, elderly care services, and anti-aging industries, with 19 units applying to establish silver economy characteristic parks [3] - The province has seen the emergence of 59 smart health and elderly care products and services included in the national promotion directory, ranking among the top in the country [3] Social Security and Support Systems - Jiangsu has achieved full coverage of long-term care insurance across its 13 cities, with over 63.44 million insured individuals, the largest scale in the country [4] - The minimum standard for basic pensions for urban residents has increased from 208 yuan to 228 yuan, marking the 14th consecutive increase [4] - The province has implemented a nursing care title system, promoting the professionalization and vocational training of elderly care services [4]

Group 1 - The report highlights that Jiangsu Province is experiencing a significant demographic shift, with a stable population and an increase in the elderly population, indicating a trend towards aging society [1][2] - In 2024, the elderly population aged 60 and above reached 21.75 million, accounting for 25.5% of the total population, which is 3.5 percentage points higher than the national average [1] - The province has achieved a per capita life expectancy exceeding 80 years, reflecting improvements in the healthcare system and overall resident health [2] Group 2 - Jiangsu has entered a "longevity era," with 3.25 million residents aged 80 and above, representing 15.29% of the elderly population, and 8,811 centenarians, an increase of 128 from the previous year [2] - The educational level of the elderly population has improved, with 15.87% having a high school education or above, indicating a potential "second demographic dividend" [2] - The provincial government is integrating active aging concepts into economic and social development, promoting the development of an elderly-friendly society [3] Group 3 - Jiangsu has established a comprehensive social security system for the elderly, with over 63.44 million people covered by long-term care insurance, the largest scale in the country [4] - The basic pension for urban residents has been increased from 208 yuan to 228 yuan, marking the 14th consecutive increase [4] - The province has initiated a professional title system for elderly care, enhancing the professionalization of the elderly service workforce [4]

Core Insights - The article discusses the achievements in the development of civil affairs during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, focusing on life expectancy, meal assistance points, and the active participation of the elderly in society [2][3]. Group 1: Life Expectancy - The average life expectancy in China has increased to 79 years by 2024, which is 1.07 years higher than in 2020 and 5 years above the global average [2]. - The nursing bed ratio has improved significantly, with professional care beds increasing from 48% in 2020 to 65.7% by the end of 2024, indicating a more precise and refined elderly care service [2]. Group 2: Meal Assistance Points - A total of 86,000 elderly meal assistance points have been established nationwide during the "14th Five-Year Plan," serving over 3 million elderly individuals daily [3]. - The operation of these meal assistance services is primarily through a model of "government guidance + enterprise participation + social donations," with increasing integration into urban convenience service networks [3]. Group 3: Active Participation of the Elderly - The government aims to broaden channels for elderly social participation, encouraging them to contribute to society and create value, thus achieving both "old-age security" and "old-age enjoyment" [3]. - The initiative seeks to awaken the "silver-haired value" and enhance the active engagement of the elderly in contributing to China's modernization efforts [3].

Core Perspective - The article discusses the evolution of the social image of the elderly in China from 1900 to 2025, highlighting the transformation from traditional views to a more diverse and active perception of the elderly in contemporary society [1][34]. Phase Summaries Phase 1: Traditional and Turbulent "Respectable" and "Obsolete" (1900-1949) - The elderly were viewed through a dual lens: as "respectable" figures rooted in Confucian culture and as "obsolete" individuals amidst societal upheaval [2]. - Traditional family structures placed elderly men in positions of power, symbolizing authority and moral guidance [2]. - The collapse of traditional values led to the emergence of the "obsolete" image, where some elderly were criticized as outdated and irrelevant [5]. Phase 2: Collectivism and "Revolutionary Elders" (1949-1979) - Post-1949, the elderly's value shifted to their political identity and revolutionary contributions, with "old revolutionaries" gaining respect [9][10]. - Elderly women transitioned from traditional roles to "revolutionary mothers," reflecting the changing gender dynamics [10]. - The Cultural Revolution polarized elderly images, with some being revered and others vilified based on their political stance [14]. Phase 3: Transition and Reflection "Lost" and "Watchers" (1980-1999) - The reform era emphasized economic development, yet traditional family values persisted, with elderly often seen as family heads [16]. - Literature and film began to reflect on the historical experiences of the elderly, portraying them as witnesses to national history [17]. - The rise of market economy led to a decline in the traditional authority of the elderly, with many feeling marginalized and disconnected from societal changes [19]. Phase 4: Deep Aging and the Diverse Image of the Elderly (2000-2025) - By 2000, China officially entered an aging society, with projections indicating that by 2024, over 22% of the population will be aged 60 and above [21]. - The elderly's image has become increasingly negative, often framed as a societal burden due to issues like pension gaps and healthcare challenges [21][22]. - The concept of "silver economy" has emerged, recognizing the elderly as consumers rather than just dependents, leading to a rise in industries catering to their needs [24][26]. - Urban and rural elderly face different challenges, with urban seniors benefiting from social security while rural seniors often experience neglect [27]. - The emergence of "active elderly" and "new elderly" reflects a shift towards a more empowered and engaged image of the elderly, emphasizing lifelong learning and personal fulfillment [30][34]. Future Outlook - By 2050, the elderly population is expected to reach 500 million, necessitating a redefined image that emphasizes their contributions and diversity [34]. - The future elderly image should transition from "passive recipients" to "active contributors," recognizing their potential as valuable societal resources [34][35]. - Acknowledging the internal diversity of the elderly population is crucial, promoting a multifaceted representation that includes various lifestyles and contributions [35]. - Emphasizing lifelong learning and adaptation to technological advancements will be essential for integrating the elderly into modern society [36]. - A shift in focus from mere survival to a holistic approach that values the dignity and quality of life for the elderly is necessary for societal progress [36].