Recently, an expert from the Development Research Center of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China stated that the need to support the re-employment of elderly people aged 60 to 70 has sparked heated discussions on the internet.
According to a report by Sina Finance on May 19, Ma Jiantang, former Secretary of the Party Committee of the Development Research Center of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, made remarks at the First Shenzhen Financial Forum of Renmin University of China, suggesting that in anticipation of the longevity era, age “discrimination” in the labor market should be eliminated.
Ma Jiantang claimed that with the improvement of living standards, the statistical criteria for elderly people should be adjusted. People aged 60-70 are considered “young elderly,” 70-80 are “middle-aged elderly,” and those over 80 are “old elderly.” He emphasized the need to support the employment needs of the 60-70 age group, who are in good health and seeking job opportunities.
Subsequently, the topic labeled “Experts call for supporting the re-employment needs of the 60 to 70 age group” has sparked discussions on social media platforms.
A prominent Weibo user, Yan Keji, remarked, “Currently, even ordinary service positions require applicants to be under 35 years old. Do the experts truly understand the limited job opportunities available in today’s society?”
Another user, Shui Yi, commented, “It’s hard to evaluate. Graduates face unemployment, middle-aged individuals are laid off at 35, retirees receive pensions at 65, and now there is encouragement for those aged 60 to 70 to re-enter the workforce.”
Lawyer Chen Xiaodou stated, “At 5 years old, there are still unemployed individuals, while some 45-year-olds are jobless. Encouraging 65-year-olds to work again may lead to the emergence of a new profession: full-time caregivers for their elderly parents.”
The author of a popular headline article and Weibo user Xiangxiaoren Xiaowu expressed, “Let’s be straightforward, if the pension isn’t enough, those aged 60 to 70 will have to provide for themselves. No need to beat around the bush.”
A financial blogger and Weibo user, Wave Genuine – Stock Market 007, commented, “Upon retirement, one should focus on enjoying retirement. Supporting continuous work, are they afraid of people not getting tired?”
Geng Xiangshun, founder of Zhi Xin Qing Nian, shared, “The essence of delaying retirement is not to make you work a few more years because by the time you’re 60, it’s indeed challenging to find work. It’s about encouraging individuals to plan and provide for their own retirement, delaying pension collection for a few more years, and receiving fewer years of retirement benefits.”
Weibo user Artravelersr pointed out, “Experts are just messengers used to test public reactions. If the response is positive, relevant policies will be introduced immediately; if it’s overwhelmingly negative, then the blame will fall back on the experts.”