A Journey to Self-Enrichment: The Chinese of Wisdom from the Elderly

Once upon a time in Changsha, Hunan, there lived a wise woman named Li Anhua. At the age of 71, she found herself reflecting on a life dedicated to providing for her children and grandchildren. Having worked hard all her life, she had saved diligently but found that, in the pursuit of supporting her family, she had neglected her own well-being.

In the decade leading up to her retirement, Li Anhua had invested almost nothing in herself. Her hard-earned money and time were generously bestowed upon her children, ensuring their comfort and security. However, life took an unexpected turn when her wife passed away shortly after her retirement.

Renting out her house, Li Anhua took turns living with her two children and grandchildren. The desire to contribute to her family’s well-being led her to contribute substantial amounts for a car, pocket money, toys, and yearly red envelopes. The sacrifices she made for her family were evident, but she noticed something amiss — she hadn’t bought herself new clothes in years.

In 2010, facing several health issues, she decided it was time to reclaim her life. She moved back to her own home, determined to prioritize herself. The first step was redecorating her living space, bringing in new appliances and furniture for comfort. The second step was education. In 2012, Li Anhua enrolled in three classes at the University for the Elderly, exploring singing, painting, and handicrafts. Here, she not only learned new skills but also forged meaningful friendships.

The third step was a bold one — travel. Over two years, she crisscrossed the country, and in 2014, she made an even bolder decision to spend 20,000 yuan on a month-long trip to the United States. Li Anhua reveled in her newfound freedom and joy, understanding that being good to oneself is the key to a fulfilling life.

Guo Yangchun, a 68-year-old from Chongqing, shared a similar sentiment. He spoke of a friend with a monthly pension of over 4,000 yuan who saved diligently for her children but lived frugally for herself. Facing health issues, she realized the importance of supporting oneself in old age.

In another tale from Chongqing, Shen Jin’e, a 67-year-old widow, moved in with her son after retiring. Despite selling her welfare house for her son’s down payment and providing financial support to her daughters, she found herself struggling to make ends meet.

These stories underscore the importance of self-care in old age. The elderly should seek medical attention promptly, cultivate friendships outside their families, express their emotions openly, spend money on themselves without guilt, and develop interests and hobbies that bring them joy.

So, dear reader, the moral of these tales is clear: as the chapters of life unfold, invest in yourself, for in enriching your own life, you become a source of joy and inspiration for your entire family.

Thank you for reading!