Lifestyle
Defying the stereotype that seniors are lethargic and frail, a group of Chinese retirees are throwing themselves into the catwalk show in Yinchuan, the capital city of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in northwest China, creating a beautiful landscape for their later years.
Yin Haixia, 69, has developed a love of fashion shows and won many awards since her retirement. Her vigor and radiance on the runway have attracted many peers to join her.
Before her retirement, Yin used to work as an accountant and had a wide range of hobbies such as singing and dancing.
After retirement, she watched a fashion show course, after which she was fascinated by the art.
It took eight years for Yin to grow into a professional and become a member of a costume team of the art troupe affiliated to Ningxia Elderly University, and were awarded multiple prizes under the guidance of professional trainers.
"We've practiced better and better, and the more we practice, the more we like it. We've learned the qualities of fashion models, even found the feelings of fashion models walking on the T-platform. It's fair to say that I've found the self-confidence of my youth in wearing fashionable clothing," said a confident Yin.
"I think today's middle-aged and elderly people are positive and optimistic, and they can have their vitality for a 'second youth' fully displayed. This is a very good phenomenon," said Zhang Funing, instructor of model training for Yin's class.
Attracted by the videos and photos posted by Yin in her Moments of WeChat, a social networking software, and on short video platforms, a total of 28 retirees have joined the model team of Qizilianhu Community in succession in more than two years, with Yin acting as their instructor.
"I think everyone wants to have a hobby after retirement, so that they don't fall into the lethargic state of old age after retirement," said Zhou Hua, a member of the model team.