Ex-diplomat enjoys his own space in retirement

Chen Pingling, 81, an ex-career diplomat with appointments including political counselor to Moscow, is an example of the kind of elite senior population that the Yanda retirement community hopes to attract and retain as residents. Chen spent his early retirement years in his own home. After his wife died, he moved to one of the best public nursing homes in Beijing. For the past five years, he has lived in a private retirement community in a 66-square-meter, one-bedroom apartment on the edge of Beijing. He has no plans to move again.

Chen spoke recently to China Daily about his life and retirement. The following are edited excerpts:

Why do you prefer a private nursing home instead of a public one?