Elderly enjoy choir performance for Chongyang Festival

World
Europe

Saturday marks a traditional day for the elderly in China – the Chongyang Festival, also known as the Double Ninth Festival, which falls on the 9th day of the ninth lunar month. The residents of a nursing home in north Chinese city of Taiyuan were treated to a special show to mark the occasion.

Shanxi Symphony Orchestra and Aizhiyin Chorus have made a surprise appearance at Shanxi Provincial Home for Seniors.

The songs center around the glorious history of the CPC. /CGTN Photo

About 500 seniors in the audience are thrilled to get the opportunity to hear such talented singers and musicians.

"I feel happy and excited about the performance. And I’ve been living here for six months. It’s much better than living at home. The staff here take care of everything for us," Ma Ruhua said.

Elderly people often have a variety of activities in the nursing home. /CGTN Photo

With the 19th CPC National Congress ended earlier this week, the performances center around the theme of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The country is eager to improve its support network for senior citizens, and the residents and care workers are confident the Party can deliver on its promises.

"After I heard General Secretary Xi Jinping's report, I really hope I can live longer to witness our country embracing its bright future. And I believe our country will ensure a better life for the elderly," said Guo Xiuying.

The seniors enjoy the performances. /CGTN Photo

Zhang Min is the Chief of the Nursing Department. She said: "General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping said the country will build better policy mechanisms and social environment for the elderly. We feel he’s quite concerned about the elderly people, and we all feel very encouraged that we will provide better care."