We've all passed by older neighbors, family members or strangers on the street without a second glance. But what if we truly saw them?
“Let's truly see the elderly around us,” urges Hu Yong, professor at the School of Journalism and Communication at Peking University. In a fast aging society, Hu says it's time to rethink how we perceive older adults.
Instead of seeing them as fragile or past their prime, Hu reminds us that older people can still reach new heights. Drawing on the words of Qian Liqun from his book A Life in Old Age, Hu emphasizes that creativity and life's potential don’t have an expiration date.
Data from China’s National Health Commission shows life expectancy has climbed to 79 years by the end of 2024—up 1.1 years since 2020. With this extra time, the elderly population can continue to contribute, inspire and grow.
In a recent episode of the CGTN series PAGE X, Professor Hu shared personal stories caring for his own parents. He illustrated how simple acts—like listening to their life stories or inviting them to new activities—can make a world of difference.
His message is clear: genuine attention, understanding and compassion aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re essential. By seeing the rich experiences and untapped talents of older adults, we can build a society where every generation thrives together.
Feeling inspired? The next time you meet an older person, pause, listen and learn—you might discover a world of wisdom waiting to be seen. ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
