Field notes

Under one roof: China's 'huddle' retirement

Some elderly Chinese are opting to retire as a group in rural areas, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, for companionship, lower cost of living, fresh air and greenery

Retired teacher Zhu Ronglin and his wife live in a three-storey villa in eastern Hangzhou. Last July, he decided to invite other retired couples to live with them. This concept of “huddling retirement” has been gaining popularity in recent years.
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and se
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood dishes every day. Living together are (from left) former documentary producer Jiang Yichun, 66; house owner Zhu Ronglin, 78; retired warehouse supervisor Jin Jue, 63; Mr Zhu's wife, Madam Wang Guifen, 73; and Madam Wang Hehua, 69, a retired worker. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and se
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood dishes every day. Living together are (from left) former documentary producer Jiang Yichun, 66; house owner Zhu Ronglin, 78; retired warehouse supervisor Jin Jue, 63; Mr Zhu's wife, Madam Wang Guifen, 73; and Madam Wang Hehua, 69, a retired worker. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and se
Madam Wang Guifen hangs her clothes to dry. While a hired cleaner cleans the house twice a week, simple chores are done by the Zhus and the tenants. Mealtimes are a lively, social affair, and there is a good spread of vegetables, meat, poultry and seafood dishes every day. Living together are (from left) former documentary producer Jiang Yichun, 66; house owner Zhu Ronglin, 78; retired warehouse supervisor Jin Jue, 63; Mr Zhu's wife, Madam Wang Guifen, 73; and Madam Wang Hehua, 69, a retired worker. ST PHOTOS: CHONG KOH PING
Chong Koh Ping
Business Correspondent
Updated
Jun 04, 2018, 08:07 AM
Published
Jun 02, 2018, 05:00 AM
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HANGZHOU (Zhejiang) • For several years, retired school teacher Zhu Ronglin and his wife lived in a sprawling three-storey suburban villa all by themselves.

Last July, he decided to invite complete strangers, also retired couples, to live with them in the northern outskirts of Hangzhou, the capital of affluent Zhejiang province in the east.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 02, 2018, with the headline Under one roof: China's 'huddle' retirement . Subscribe

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