The Chinese Elderly Association of Northern California held a Parents’ Day celebration at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center on May 16th last Saturday. The event aimed to honor seniors aged 90 and above, as well as couples celebrating their emerald and diamond wedding anniversaries. The event also included the installation ceremony of the new association president, attracting nearly 300 overseas Chinese to participate and creating a warm and lively atmosphere at the venue.
A total of 16 elderly individuals were recognized during the event, including the three centenarians, Mr. Zheng Jisen and Mrs. Ni Linfang, who were the oldest attendees. Additionally, two couples celebrating their emerald and diamond wedding anniversaries were commended for their contributions to their families, communities, and future generations.
The ceremony also featured the handover of the association presidency from outgoing President Ma Qianjun to the newly appointed President Lu Jingmei. The handover was overseen by Deputy Chief of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Zhu Yongchang, who praised the contributions of the association in serving the overseas Chinese community and caring for the elderly. He thanked Ma Qianjun for her dedication during her term and congratulated Lu Jingmei on assuming the new role.
In her speech, outgoing President Ma Qianjun expressed gratitude for the support of the members and the team throughout the past year. She highlighted the accomplishments and touching moments shared with the elderly members. Ma Qianjun expressed confidence in Lu Jingmei’s ability to lead the association forward and assured that she would continue to support and assist when needed despite stepping down from the presidency.
Deputy Chief Zhu Yongchang emphasized the importance of harmonious relationships within families, acknowledging the role of parents in nurturing future generations and promoting social prosperity. He commended the long-term efforts of the Chinese Elderly Association in providing a vital social platform for the Chinese community and the elderly. Zhu Yongchang wished the new President, Lu Jingmei, success in leading the association to create more enriching and joyful social lives for the seniors.
Reflecting on the establishment of the Elderly Association in 2006 by President Jin Yanan of the Mountain View Senior Citizens Group, Lu Jingmei highlighted the organization’s commitment to serving not only the community but also advocating for retired individuals in the United States. Under the association’s umbrella are groups such as the Chinese Longevity Club, Chinese Longevity Fellowship, Roosevelt Chorus, and Eternal Youth Art Troupe, all of which were well represented at the event.
Lu Jingmei expressed gratitude to the California Line Dance Association, Feather in the Wind, and Dance 120 for their participation and assistance in making the event a success. She concluded by wishing everyone good health and happiness.
During the event, 102-year-old senior Zheng Jisen shared his secrets to good health with the media. He attributed his well-being to a diet low in fat and salt, regular exercise, and practicing calligraphy to calm the mind.
Since his thirties, Zheng has been mindful of his diet, avoiding fried and oily foods and opting for steamed vegetables, fish, chicken, and green vegetables. For breakfast, he prefers unsweetened milk with oatmeal. In his younger years, swimming was his exercise of choice, later transitioning to mountain climbing and tai chi. Upon retirement in the United States, he continued practicing tai chi in his spare time. Zheng emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and tranquility, achieved through calligraphy, which has been instrumental in preserving his physical and mental well-being.
The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including choir singing, dancing, line dancing, gourd silk band, acapella choir, and lucky draws, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere. The participating groups, such as the Chinese Longevity Club, Roosevelt Chorus, and Eternal Youth Art Troupe, showcased the vitality and unity of the elderly community.