Background

The United Nations selected 1999 as the International Year of the Aged at its 47th Congress. The theme of the year is to establish a society in which all people, the young and the old, can enjoy themselves. This is an important event at the end of the century.China is a big nation with a large population of old people. In its cultural traditions, which go back several thousand years, respect and support for the aged have been an important part of the ordinary people's code of ethics. After the founding of New China in 1949, these fine ethics have been carried forward. As China's national economy has developed, people's living standards have increased greatly. Undertakings concerning the aged have flourished. Today in the new social environment old people do not need to worry about earning a living or medical care and they can join voluntary groups and take part in educational activities.

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