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)