Scott No: 2973
Serial number: 1999-12
Values in set: 1
Denomination: 80 fen
Date of issue: 9 September 1999
Designers: Guo Zhenshan
Size: 30*40mm
Perforation: 12
Sheet composition: 50
Printing process: Offset
Printer: Liaoning Post and Telecmmunication Printing Works

The commemorative stamp International Year of Older Persons was issued on September 9, 1999. It consists of one stamp with a face value of 0.80 yuan. It was designed by Guo Zhenshan and printed by Henan Post and Telecommunications Printing Factory using offset printing. The year 1999 was designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Older Persons, with the theme "A Society for All Ages." China Post issued this stamp to call on society to respect, love, and assist the elderly, and to pay attention to the issue of population aging.

Population aging is a global social issue. The United Nations established the International Year of Older Persons to awaken countries around the world to the needs of the elderly, advocate respect for the rights of older persons, safeguard their livelihoods, and foster a harmonious society of intergenerational inclusion. The stamp takes family affection and harmony as its core creative concept, conveying the traditional Chinese virtue of respecting the elderly and filial piety, and reflecting the beautiful vision of older persons enjoying security and happiness in their later years.

Stamp Design and Historical Background

International Year of Older Persons

The main image is a circular composition. In the center, an elderly couple holds hands and smiles. They are surrounded by figures of children, young people, and middle-aged adults, symbolizing mutual care among different generations. The background features doves of peace and olive branches. Above the design is the logo of the United Nations International Year of Older Persons. The design symbolizes harmony across all ages and generations, with society caring for the elderly together, building a harmonious society shared by all ages and mutually respectful, echoing the theme of the International Year of Older Persons.

Artistic and Design Features

The stamp uses a decorative illustration style. The composition is round and full, with warm and soft colors, and the figures are friendly and simple. The offset printing provides peaceful color transitions, and the image is warm and approachable. The single stamp has a clear theme, combining United Nations concepts with traditional Chinese respect for the elderly. It is a commemorative stamp reflecting social welfare and public interest themes.