China's rapidly aging population is sparking urgent conversations about how we perceive our elders – and Professor Hu Yong from Peking University has a revolutionary take. 🎙️ "Let's truly see the elderly around us," he urges, challenging stereotypes of fragility with a bold vision of lifelong growth.
With life expectancy now at 79 years (up 1.1 years since 2020! 📈), Hu argues it's time to flip the script: "Older people can still reach new heights. Their creative potential? Never underestimate it." He draws inspiration from Qian Liqun's book Yang Lao Ren Sheng, framing later life as a chapter of reinvention, not decline.
From caring for his own parents to observing public spaces, Hu notes elders often become "invisible" in daily life. His solution? A three-step reset: attention 👀, understanding 💡, and compassion ❤️. "This isn't about pity – it's recognizing their diverse experiences as societal superpowers," he told CGTN.
As China navigates this demographic shift, Hu's message resonates globally: Aging societies thrive when we value intergenerational wisdom and create spaces where silver-haired creativity shines. 🌍✨
