How China’s elderly stay fit, from tai chi with swords to neck swinging and dancing
Chinese pensioners engage in a range of activities – some rather unconventional – to try and stay fit and healthy in old age
In China, some seniors hoping to stay fit and live longer are taking up weapons training – but not for lethal purposes.
For some retirees, these unconventional sports tools are part of their daily routine. Take Mr Wang, for instance: in a park near Beijing’s Olympic Centre, he swings his whip with steady, focused precision.
With each sharp crack, he drives a colourful spinning top through the humid summer night.
Wang recalls that years ago, his doctor advised him to exercise more because of his stiff shoulder. After some consideration, he decided to buy a whip.
“An old man in our hometown told me to buy one. I can’t do any tricks. I just swing it back and forth twice,” says Wang, who, like some others, prefers not to give his full name.
