The Chinese Communist Party’s two sessions were held today, March 4th, with a member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference stating that by the year 2050, the silver economy could provide at least 100 million job opportunities, sparking discussions.
On March 4th, Jin Li, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and Vice President of South University of Science and Technology, mentioned that the population aged 60 and above has already surpassed 300 million, and is projected to exceed 400 million by 2035. The aging population does not necessarily mean the demographic dividend is disappearing. The “energetic elderly” aged between 60 and 70 are growing in numbers, many of whom are energetic and experienced. By establishing silver think tanks, volunteer services, and other methods, more opportunities can be provided for them to contribute their residual heat and explore the demographic dividend of the aging population.
Jin Li believes that the silver economy has potential at both the supply and demand ends. By 2035, the size of the silver economy is expected to reach around 30 trillion yuan. It is conservatively estimated that by 2050, the silver economy will be able to provide at least 100 million job opportunities.
The above views quickly sparked discussions among netizens.
Some netizens commented, “These claims extend all the way to 2050”, “The eyes were wandering when stating these numbers, probably not even believing it themselves”, “Won’t need to retire in this lifetime”, “So, even after retirement, one still needs to work and earn money!”
“It’s really strange, not wanting people over 35, and now they want those who are 50 or 60?” “A 55-year-old serving a 75-year-old?” “This wave of elderly people already receive retirement pensions. They will spend money hiring people over 35 who can’t find work and are rejected by various companies to serve them. End of story.” “The implication is that many of the jobs for young people in the future will be serving the elder population.”
“Can we first solve the unemployment issue for the younger generation?” “We can’t even solve the job problem for the youth, now we’re talking about the elderly.” “At present, youth employment is of utmost importance!”
A full-time lawyer, “Legal World Dream,” questioned in a blog post: “If young people are struggling to find jobs, where are these numerous positions for the elderly coming from?”
The Chief Editor of Elegant Writing and popular Weibo influencer “Gourmet Wave” stated, “The key lies in the consumption and payment ability of the elderly population, which is closely related to the overall social security level…”