Cultural Projects Benefit the People of Tailai County

A performance by local amateur artists.

When we visited the senior care home on Jinyuan Street, we heard melodious orchestral music and laughter. On an LED screen in the lobby, the weekly activity schedule, offered to men over 60 and women over 55, showed a plethora of options: music, gym, yoga, painting, Peking Opera. All classes and activities are free. All participants need to do is apply for a membership card. Teachers from the senior people’s university and coaches from cultural and sports associations are themselves elderly volunteers that provide services and manage the centers. In the last several years, elderly art troupes have taken part in various competitions in Qiqihar City or Heilongjiang Province, and won awards. The four activity centers have now established management systems, service organization, learning plans and stable expense sponsors. Tailai’s trial allows the elderly in both urban and rural areas to enjoy their retirement.

By the end of my visit one question remained: With a limited budget, why did the county government allocate such a large proportion of funds to senior care? Liu Haicheng, secretary of the CPC Tailai County Committee, explained that people aged 60 and above amount to 48,000, accounting for 14.5 percent of the county’s total population. In other words, elder issues concern every family and are, therefore, a focus of livelihood projects. If the elderly don’t live well, a series of problems could come to light. But if they feel appreciated, immeasurable social benefits would accrue.

Indeed, the silver generation has become a positive force, promoting family harmony and community peace in Tailai. They are active advocates of economic development and monitors of livelihood projects. Tailai’s cultural projects have succeeded on several levels, reawakening emotions among people and achieving a big leap in senior care with modest revenue.