In Shanghai, elderly individuals gather every Tuesday at Ikea to socialize and forge friendships. These gatherings consist of retired men and women, including widowers, divorcees, and singles, aged 50 and above. Many bring their own food and beverages. The meetings, organized via WeChat, sometimes attract over 100 attendees, showcasing a vibrant community. Participants like Mr. Yu Zhixin value companionship, especially in their later years, while others express concerns about aging and its challenges. This initiative provides a supportive environment for social interaction among older adults.
In the Ikea cafeteria in Shanghai, dozens of elderly people meet every Tuesday to have a chat and make friends. For years, retired men and women, widowers, divorcees and singles, from the age of 50 onward, arrive around 1 p.m., take their seats, and open bags of food and thermoses of tea they bring from home.
The weekly meetings are organized through WeChat, the Chinese version of WhatsApp. Sometimes those attending number more than 100 and fill the place.
The elegant Mr. Yu Zhixin in a black suit jacket, purple tie and white shoes chats animatedly with Mrs. Ying Ying, 70, while they husk peanuts.
He is looking for someone to live with, who wants to accompany him in old age. His son lives abroad and cannot take care of him.
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