In retirement, Chinese seniors take up singing in parks

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Step into almost any public park in China – in big or small cities – and you are likely to encounter groups of elderly Chinese singing.

It is quite a sight: some singers appear more mellow, while some are more performative. Nonetheless, the health benefits for these senior citizens are all the same.

Although there have been the occasional grumbling about the noise, the singers report a feeling of purpose when doing this.

The reasons for this activity vary – some came by it simply by chance, others were looking to fill their time after retiring.

A group of elderly men and women dancing in the park. /CGTN Photo

Wang Chun, a performer, said when she sings, her frustrations go away.

“I never knew anything about music when I started. I came across it by chance after visiting a park many years ago and fell in love with it. I started singing in 2004 and went on to lead a singing group in 2010. I have also learned to play different musical instruments,” Wang said.

“I feel happy mingling with other [older] people. Singing together is good for one's health,” she added.

Ms. Pan, who was seen singing along to opera music, said she has always been keen on music. However, she never had the chance and time to sing, as work took up so much of her time.

“It is [also] difficult to sing opera without professional training, and admittedly, I was too shy to try it at first. But after receiving encouragement from a teacher I met in a park, I started singing and now I love it very much. It makes me happy,” said Ms. Pan.

Her husband, known as Mr. Zhao, accompanies her to the park, although he does not sing. But he sees how singing has helped improve his wife’s health.

When asked about their hopes for the 19th CPC National Congress currently underway, Mr. Zhao praised the government for its efforts in strengthening the country’s legal system, seen from its anti-corruption efforts.

An elderly man writing calligraphy in the park. /CGTN Photo

Tong Xiang Huan, a former secondary school headmaster, commended the government for having done a good job in improving people’s lives. He hopes the government will continue to focus on policies for the elderly, including social care.

“The government has also paid more attention to reviving traditional cultural teachings, and I hope they can continue to build on this spirit even further,” said Tong.