Keeping parents up to speed

Never too old to learn

Yang Xiutang, 63, bought his first personal computer and got the internet at home in 2002. He browses news, reads novels, shops and plays Chinese chess online.

"I can't imagine my life without the internet. It's just like being without electricity in the past; you don't want to go back to the times when you have to use kerosene lamps," says Yang Xiutang, a retired middle school teacher from Suqian city, Jiangsu province.

Several decades ago, Chinese mainly communicated with each other by writing letters and sent emergency messages by telegraph. In the mid-1990s, beepers were the chic gadgets, and then came mobile phones.

Whenever new technology develops, he is eager to be first to try it.

He says his generation went through the "cultural revolution" (1966-76). They've been through hardships and want to make the world better. Many may not have received much education at school, but they've learned a lot by other ways and also want to learn about new things in the era.

He and several peers established an association to promote traditional filial piety in his local neighborhood, calling for more care for elderly empty nesters.

He also set up a related website, and generates a bulletin, both in print and e-paper, for the group.

"It's vital to maintain your curiosity toward the world, no matter how old you are. Also, it's good to exercise one's brains at this age," Yang Xiutang says.

Zhang Honglin, from Qianjiang, Hubei province, says learning from her daughter is good.

The 45-year-old uses her mobile to chat with others, speculate on the stock market, buy train tickets and deposit life expenses for her daughter.

She feels a sense of accomplishment when others praise her for knowing so much, and it encourages her to learn more.

"Young people know more about the new technology, such as smartphones and computer software, but I know more about life and the rules of conduct. We learn from each other," she says.

She says her 70-year-old mother doesn't know how to use an ATM and is embarrassed to deposit money at a counter.

"I want to teach her but she refuses. She wants to learn, but she's afraid that she can't. It's not about your age. You have to follow the steps of the new era. Even slowly, you're still making progress," she says.

Her daughter, Ruan Mengni, is a university senior. "I like my mom to know about the trends and keep up. Our mutual interests are increasing, too," says the 21-year-old.

"Parents have to first be themselves and have their own lives, rather than only focusing on taking care of their children."