Taking life to a new stage

• Source: Global Times
• [11:34 May 24 2010]
• Comments

Members of the Shanghai Pudong Leqi Social Service running a free health camp in Weifang Residential Areas. Photo: Li Yuting

By Li Yuting

One often hears of theater as the Kafkaesque process of "melting the ice within" But real experiments and attempts like one that of Shanghai's Twelve Neighbors Community Theater, which is really unlocking the feelings of the lonely, aged members of society through theater, are rare. The volunteers of this theater group stage plays for the elderly around themes that reflect the isolation and dilemmas that dot their existence. The feelings then pour out, unfettered, as the onlookers join in.

Driven by similar good intentions are other committed groups in the city who are lending their hands to help these lonely souls; whether with hospital errands or taking them out dining.

Novel initiatives like these, to show an empathy with the growing aged population of the city are in keeping with the widely-held moral belief, specially in traditional cultures like China, that the elderly should be treated well. So, while the metropolis' urban landscape is ever-soaring, a well-meaning young people have their feet firmly rooted in the realities facing this city.

City's aging population

What are these realities? Shanghai definitely is turning into an aging society. Currently, the city has approximately 2.6 million old people, of whom, more than 800,000 live alone. With no spouse, children or close relative by their sides, these senior citizens face many problems, ranging from their basic safety requirements, everyday inconveniences and mental illnesses stemming from loneliness.

Many help groups have emerged in the city, and they are all doing their part to make the lives of these older singles a little easier.