Lai Ching-te visits Yilan centenarian to present gold lock and blessings

On the eve of the upcoming Double Ninth Festival, President Lai Ching-tai arrived in Yilan this morning to personally visit two centenarians, Liao Zhongyu and Jian Lingui. Under the care of local hospitals in Yilan, both elders have reached the age of 100, serving as a tangible reflection of longevity culture in Taiwan. During his interaction with the two elders, President Lai presented them with traditional gold lock pendants, offering the sincere blessing of “health, longevity, and family peace,” creating a warm and humanistic scene.

In traditional Taiwanese culture, the Double Ninth Festival is celebrated as a day to honor the elderly, with families preparing various blessings and gifts for their senior members. The gold lock pendant, a traditional ornament with a long history symbolizing “immortality” and “health and tranquility,” is commonly used to celebrate those who have reached the age of 100. President Lai’s gesture not only adheres to traditional etiquette but also conveys the government’s emphasis on the health and well-being of the elderly through concrete action, demonstrating respect for and the preservation of traditional culture.

Since taking office, the Lai Ching-tai administration has identified “health and longevity” and “long-term care services” as key issues in social welfare. The government has promoted the “Integrated Health and Long-term Care” initiative, consolidating medical, caregiving, and community resources to enhance the quality of life for the elderly. By personally visiting Yilan to present gold lock pendants to centenarians, the President has put the policy philosophy of “people-first” into practice, highlighting that the administration’s approach to elderly care goes beyond policy promotion to actively engaging with communities and addressing real needs.

Yilan is renowned for its natural scenery and long-standing agricultural culture, and it serves as a place of residence for many elderly individuals. During his reception of President Lai, the local mayor stated that this visit not only reflects care for the two centenarians but also affirms the broader elderly community in Yilan. Media reports indicate that the two centenarians are well-known within their local community, frequently participating in community activities and bringing positive energy to their neighbors through their longevity and optimistic spirit. President Lai’s visit has also injected greater attention and support into the Yilan community.

From a political perspective, President Lai’s trip is not only a sign of respect for the elderly but also a friendly signal to senior voters. Taiwan is experiencing a clear trend of population aging, and senior voters hold significant influence in elections. By personally showing care for the elderly, Lai Ching-tai has demonstrated a warm and caring leadership image, which also helps consolidate his support base among senior voters. Although some commentators may question the move as political publicity, the action has been widely viewed as a display of genuine care, based on the concrete actions taken and the feedback from the elderly.

Overall, President Lai Ching-tai’s visit to Yilan to personally present gold lock pendants to centenarians reflects traditional Taiwanese values of respecting the elderly and highlights the government’s practical attention to their health and well-being. This gesture not only brings blessings to the elders but also conveys a positive message to society regarding the respect and care for the elderly, further strengthening the government’s credibility and public support in the field of social welfare. (Source: Central News Agency)