A Proactive Strategy for the Aging Population That Capitalizes on the Talents of Older Adults in China

A proactive strategy for the aging population was first proposed by the World Health Organization in 2002. Chinese authorities and experts in gerontology welcome the strategy, and they have already emphasized the need to safeguard the dignity of the elderly population and utilize their talents. There currently exists a shortage of expertise concerning the positive utilization of older persons, and attempts to implement such utilization must be monitored closely and may require preventive intervention. China's experts in gerontology therefore advocate new socioeconomic ideals regarding the elderly community, proposing refinement of statutes and policies to protect the rights of elderly people. Furthermore, the success of this proactive strategy demands social support, the mobilization of public opinion, and allocation of resources. It appears that the Chinese leadership has already laid a good foundation for this process.