Dalian, a beautiful city situated near the Bohai Sea, has a
population of about 6 million, one eighth of whom are over 60. Its
senior citizens are opting for the specially-built retirement homes
which are increasingly developing in the city.
The Dalian Workers Retirement Home was built 50 years ago. It now
has 300 residents. Looking like an ordinary building, it is
specially designed to cater for the needs of the elderly. The
handrails along each corridor are different from the common
design.
Middle-aged Zhang Jingbo, director of the home, said that elderly
people no longer feel lonely as soon as they move to the retirement
home. “It’s different when they live at home with their families.
Sons and daughters are usually busy with their work and can spend
little time with their parents. The elderly don’t lack anything to
eat or wear, but they feel lonely. Moreover, some young people
don’t want to associate with the elderly. Now, here in this home,
the elderly can find their friends.”
Seventy-nine-year-old Sun Shikui had no children. She’s very happy
in the retirement community. “There are entertainment rooms on each
floor, where we can play Mahjong, cards, and Chinese chess. Workers
here organize lots of contests or games for us. All of the
participants are presented with prizes. In the morning we practice
the Yangge dance. They provide varieties of delicious food.”
Sixty-seven year old Zhang Xun is disabled in both legs. He moved
the retirement home to relieve his children’s burden. “I have been
living in the retirement home for two years. My son and daughter
have their jobs to do, and have no time to take care of me. I feel
very happy here. We have all kinds of modern facilities and nothing
to worry about. The community provides excellent service for
us.”
Seventy-six-year-old Liu Kunlin came here after a disagreement with
his family. “We held a family meeting to discuss this. I said that
I would go to live in the retirement home the next day. The kids
all rejected the idea. They cried. I said, stop, I will enjoy my
life there! If you have time, then come to see me, if you don’t,
just leave me alone. That’s OK.” He finally persuaded his children
and moved to the retirement home.
The oldest member in the retirement home is aged at 105 years old.
All of the residents enjoy the relaxed and friendly atmosphere. For
them, the retirement community is a place where they can spend
their remaining years in happiness.
(China Radio International 07/11/2001)