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Published: April 3rd 2013
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I guess you could say that this is one of the old folks in China. Hello Everybody,
“How old are you?” Our guide told us not to be surprised if someone asks our age: this is considered a sign of respect in China. He told us that one hotel put up a sign for a Road Scholar (Elderhostel) group that read, “Welcome American Old People.” Being a senior citizen in China is not a bad thing. The official retirement age is age 60 for men and age 55 for women, however if you have a child who cannot find a job, you can retire much earlier to make room for them to enter the labour market. Pensions run from $500. per month to $3,000. per month depending on the job you held. Government workers get the best pensions. As well, public transit is free for those over 65. For us, the big deal birthdays are 70, 75, etc. For the Chinese, it is 66, 73 and 84. Life expectancy is 68 for men and 73 for women. One frosty morning in Beijing, we walked through the grounds of the 15
th century Temple of Heaven. We passed hundreds of seniors, who have turned the area into an informal recreation centre: tai ji, dancing, tennis,
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Well up in years and playing tennis on this frosty morning. cards and dominoes. What a hearty bunch—it was hovering just above the freezing point!
再见
Donna
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Gretchen Huntley
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Being old isn't so bad
Great pictures and what a wonderful outlook on life and aging they have; too bad we couldn't take a few lessons from them.