More free time

Liu Tongdi, 60, a tour guide at the Capital Museum, who joined the team in 2018 and specializes in escorting visitors to ceramic exhibitions, said: "You are never too old to learn. Compared with younger volunteer guides, we seniors have much more free time and are able to devote ourselves to the job, which is ideal for us. After retirement, we are still making a contribution to society and are sharing our personal values by spreading knowledge."

Both Liu Feng and Liu Tongdi devote most of the week to their family members, preparing food for them and accompanying them when they go out.

"My son is very busy and is not married. When we have dinner together, we talk a lot about our jobs, and he is happy about my life in retirement," Liu Feng said.

According to the seventh national population census conducted at the end of last year, China's population rose to 1.412 billion in 2020, up from 1.4 billion a year earlier. People age 60 or older account for about 20 percent of the population, and those age 65 and older for 13.5 percent.

A happy and healthy retirement for many seniors now involves far more than just about taking care of grandchildren, cooking and cleaning at home, or playing mahjong with friends.

Yang Qiaolin, a retired teacher who pursued a psychology degree at Shenzhen University in Guangdong province, said: "Many people now think that retirement is a time for embarking on new adventures. Seniors are enjoying life in retirement by taking part in diverse activities, such as singing in a chorus, dancing together and joining reading clubs. These pursuits help them communicate with others outside their families and to make new friends."

Yang, who recommends books offering advice for retirees, said: "Retirement means a different lifestyle from your working days. It's important to keep up with the news so that you're aware of what's going on in the world, make new friends, find a new hobby and devote time to it every week."