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Today we are almost 200 million people in Brazil.
More than 25 million are over 60 years old.
Tomorrow we will be more than 250 million people,
and 50 million will be over 60.
What does this mean,
besides the fact that we will live longer?
We will be an important workforce
that will have to be employed,
or the social security system will not be able to afford
such an increase in its already existing deficit.
We must be healthy to live well in this last stage of life.
We'll need to feel confident
in order to continue living an extremely active and joyful life.
Speaking of confidence, check this out
This is the pictogram that represents senior citizens in Brazil.
Think about it for a second:
if these millions of people started behaving as the pictogram suggests,
the future would start to seem worrisome, wouldn't it?
So, you who are over 60 years old, are you comfortable with this pictogram?
And you, who are still far from the 60s, would you like to be portrayed like that?
"Maybe I might feel represented by this when I am in my 90's."
"Seniors today are no longer like that."
"This pictogram does not represent me and it still won't in a hundred years' time.
With the vitality we have today by the time life really begins -- at 40 -- 60 is just 20 years away!"
"Currently I'm 78. In fact it feels like being fifteen years old or so."
"The image on the pictogram represents someone fragile, in need of a rest."
"When I get to my 60's I will not be like that, no way.
Today life is totally different from the previous generation."
"30 years ago, a man of 60 was really an elderly. Today he isn't old at all - he is just a modern guy."
"I'm an old guy looking for a new flame, looking to blossom again.
For this I have to find a new groove."
"I am almost 50 years old, I am 49. I do not feel old. When my father died he was not old.
My grandfather was never an elderly. The aging process happens in here."
"I know a lot of people over 60 whom are very productive, play sports, and are quite independent."
"The differences between the third age and other periods of life,
specially the youth, are obvious, right? That it is not what the pictogram shows.
The pictogram clearly indicates an inferiority status."
"I'm not sure what I would draw, but it would certainly not be a person bent over with a cane."
"I think we have to start thinking about the third age in a healthier way."
"We should think of a better image - one that makes you think about the journey and the respect it inspires.
As the reason they deserve that space.
Because their journey merits it, not because they are frail.
Not always this frailty represents the reality of the senior, right?"
"It's a very good time for having this debate,
a time when people are beginning to face the third age in a dignified way."
Yeah, that's what I thought...
Then let's create a new pictogram together.
You do not have to be a professional designer.
Your age doesn't matter, all it takes is attitude.
Just tell us what you think it should be.
You may send a picture, a short video or even an inspiring phrase.
From the suggestions sent in,
professional designers will create options for the new pictogram
and you will be able to vote for your favourite
to be the New Face of the Third Age.
The face of the present and the future of our country.