Chinanews, Hong Kong, Nov. 23 – When one walks on a street in any city in China, it is easy to see that every day, many old people are in high spirits and eager to compete with younger generation. People in a harmonious society in China tend to become younger now, the Hong Kong-based Takungpao reported.
In some analysts' point of view, the phenomenon that old people in disregard of their age are not solely promoted by their life aspirations, as the old Chinese saying goes, “An aged steed in the stable still aspires to gallop one thousand miles”. Rather, the old traditions have, to some extent, become outdated today. It is an undisputed fact that nowadays, many “old” people, or people who are regarded as old by tradition, do not feel old at all.
Firstly, people's average life expectancy has greatly increased compared to the past. According to a World Health Report issued in 2006, by the end of last year Chinese people's average life expectancy was 72, with the average life expectancy for males being 70 and females being 74. People's average life expectancy is now double that of 1949, which stood at 35. In Beijing, the life expectancy of people living in urban areas already reached 79.6 two years ago, 26.8 years more than the figure in 1949, which was 52.8.
Secondly, many senior citizens refuse to succumb to old age for the very reason that people around them regard them as being old. Days ago, some people in their fifties felt upset about a piece of news posted on the Internet with a headline that reads “an old man aged 50 such and such…”. In fact, most people at this age group might still feel as young as in their 20s or 30s.
Lastly, the liberal political environment in society makes people feel relaxed mentally. Since China carried out the opening policy 28 years ago, people's living standard has been greatly improved, medical services have become much better, and great changes have taken place for people, especially those living in cities. These might all contribute to a prolonged life expectancy. But most important of all, Chinese people live in a more politically liberal society. Things like political taboos or rights and wrongs become fewer and fewer. People can talk freely and choose the lifestyle they like. They enjoy a society that embraces all kinds of life values. This mental liberation might be the biggest reason for people to enjoy a long life.
