习近平回信勉励“银龄行动”老年志愿者代表 既要老有所养老有所乐又要老有所为 为推进中国式现代化贡献“银发力量”

新华社北京10月10日电 在中华民族传统节日重阳节来临之际，中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平给“银龄行动”老年志愿者代表回信，对他们予以亲切勉励，向全国的老年人致以诚挚问候。

习近平指出，多年来，大家积极参加志愿服务活动，利用所学所长服务基层、服务群众，向社会传递正能量，展现了新时代中国老年人的精神风貌。

习近平强调，老年人是党和国家的宝贵财富。希望广大老年朋友保持老骥伏枥、老当益壮的健康心态和进取精神，既要老有所养、老有所乐，又要老有所为，为推进中国式现代化贡献“银发力量”。各级党委和政府要高度重视老龄工作，聚焦老年人的急难愁盼问题，完善政策举措，营造良好社会环境，把老年人生活保障好、作用发挥好、权益维护好。

“银龄行动”是由全国老龄委于2003年发起的老年志愿服务活动，主要是组织各领域老专家、老教授支援欠发达地区。截至目前，全国参加“银龄行动”的老年志愿者累计有700余万人次，开展援助项目4000多个，“银龄行动”已成为促进老年人老有所为重要平台之一。近日，“银龄行动”老年志愿者代表给习近平总书记写信，汇报参加志愿服务情况，表达继续发挥专长、回报社会，为推进中国式现代化贡献力量的决心。

Xi extends greetings to elderly on eve of China's Seniors' Day

BEIJING, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended greetings to the elderly on the eve of the country's Seniors' Day, which falls on Friday this year.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed the hope that the elderly are well provided for, enjoy their lives, and continue their pursuits.

Xi made the remarks in a letter to representatives of the seniors who participate in a national voluntary initiative.

In his letter, Xi acknowledged that members of the initiative, named "Silver Age Action," have actively participated in volunteer activities in recent years, applying their knowledge and skills, and what they are good at to serve the public.

This embodies the spirit of the Chinese elderly in the new era, Xi said.

Noting that the seniors are a valuable asset to both the Party and the country, Xi urged Party committees and governments at all levels to prioritize work related to the elderly.

China's population aged 60 and above approached 300 million by the end of 2023. Projections suggest it will exceed 400 million by 2035 and reach 500 million by 2050.

Xi urged efforts to focus on addressing the pressing concerns of the seniors, improve relevant policies and measures, foster a sound social environment, ensure their well-being and rights are protected, and enable them to contribute effectively to society.

The initiative was launched in 2003 with the goal of leveraging the expertise and knowledge of senior professionals across different domains to assist in the development of underdeveloped areas. ■