The functions of the elderly to the society are as follows:

1. Stabilize the social structure

The elderly are a very valuable group, and the most important value of the elderly lies in stabilizing the social structure. When there are elderly people in a family, the cohesion of this family is relatively better than that without them. Take the traditional Spring Festival as an example. If there are old people in the family, children all over the country will return to the old people during the Spring Festival.

2. Create a harmonious social environment

If there are old people and children at home, young people often have the responsibility and responsibility, and their lives are relatively stable. Generally, it is not easy to take risks and do something illegal.

the significance of the elderly's participation in social development

The participation of the elderly in social development means that the elderly participate in or engage in activities beneficial to social development, which is not only the basic rights and interests of the elderly, but also an important way to meet their developmental needs and realize other rights and interests.

The government bears an important responsibility in promoting the participation of the elderly in social development. The state and society should attach importance to and cherish the knowledge, skills, experience and fine morality of the elderly, give full play to their expertise and role, and ensure their participation in economic, political, cultural and social life.