Recreation for the elderly: an American’s discovery at Houhai

 

During my time working in Boston’s Chinatown, a part of Boston with the highest concentration of senior citizens, many of whom are Chinese immigrants, I had heard complaints that there were not enough recreational activities. That there was nothing to do. That many felt lonely in their old age. It’s true that there are some recreational activities for seniors in the United States. However, it was unique to see seniors active in public, alongside youthful skaters, parents with their children, and tourists. The seniors I saw in Beijing at houhai occupied a central space in the area where everyone could see them. They blended in with the landscape and surrounding activity. They belonged.

In old age, many fight loneliness and the fear of becoming sick and dying. However, playgrounds allow seniors to feel good and to smile with one another while improving their physical health. While I had felt sympathy for senior citizens in the past, it wasn’t until that day with Laura at houhai that I began to understand. As I saw the joy these people expressed on their faces, the sadness of the elderly in my own community finally hit me. Anyone can recreate themselves, including the elderly. This I learned from Chinese culture.

That winter, I gave Luo Rui an English name when she asked for one: Laura. Laura also kept the name I gave her and used it when she interned in the United States two years later. I was fortunate to meet her again in my hometown, Boston. This time I showed her the way and Laura loved Boston as much as I loved Beijing. Language brought us together and we still keep in touch. I hope we will keep in touch, even when we are old.

By Natalie Ornell, M.A. Candidate in Asian Studies, UC Berkeley