My clothes show respect for myself and others

I was surprised when I saw a photo of myself on a news app last year. It was taken in a park without my knowledge. I am fine with it, though, because in the photo I am wearing a cap that covers half my face.

I like the photo because I appear energetic and classy beyond my expectations. I later saw Qin Xiao, the photographer, in Shanghai's Jing'an Park and struck up a conversation with him.

I had seen the photos of fashionable seniors he had taken and read news reports about him. I told him that he is doing a good and positive thing.

Qin usually takes photos in the park because people of my generation like exercising and playing there. I exercise by kicking a shuttlecock and using single and parallel bars four hours a day.

I exercise to boost my immune system, because I have Crohn's disease, a bowel condition that usually can't be cured and requires frequent surgery. From 2012 to 2016, I underwent five operations.

Exercising helped me to recover and control my condition. I have a lot of reasons to rest at home and not exercise, but I don't want to accept that as my living condition. I can't rely on my wife and 16-yearold daughter to take care of me for the rest of my life.

I like wearing jeans, even though most people don't consider them comfortable for fitness activities. They suit me, though.

On a daily basis, I like to dress in a decent way because it shows respect for both myself and other people. Sometimes, acquaintances I meet in the street compliment me about my energetic appearance, which always inspires me. I don't agree with those in their 60s who look slovenly and pinched. They have given up on spirit and energy. Dressing properly is not about money, but about a positive attitude.

Shanghai residents always keep an open mind about stylish things. At the beginning of the opening-up and reform policy, people in Shanghai treated going abroad as a new trend.

In 1986, I began six years' study of language and computer science in Japan. After I returned to China, I chose to be a tour guide and retired at the age of 50 because of my illness. I am talkative, so I made a few friends, and we are still having fun in the park.

Seniors' lives are not as lonely or miserable as some people imagine. Qin picks role models among seniors and shows our colorful lives to people across the country.

I am pleased to see that his story is popular in the media as it proves that society cares a lot about seniors. I hope more people will do meaningful things about seniors like Qin.

Shen Lijun spoke with Li Hongyang.