The China National Working Commission on Aging awarded 1,290 organizations and 1,990 individuals across the country for their contributions to elderly care on Wednesday in Beijing, aiming to inspire greater societal involvement in supporting the elderly.

State Councilor Shen Yiqin attended the commendation ceremony and emphasized the importance of respecting and caring for seniors as a traditional virtue and social responsibility.

She said more efforts are needed to improve elderly care services, encourage social engagement among seniors, enrich their cultural and spiritual lives, and foster an age-friendly society.

Lu Zhiyuan, minister of civil affairs, said the influence of role models should be transformed into practices of respecting, caring for and supporting the elderly through all aspects of society.

He highlighted the need to address the urgent needs of the elderly to create a supportive environment to ensure their well-being and rights, he added.