Retirees break male modeling barriers

A group of 20 energetic retirees — average age 60-plus — in Yingkou, Liaoning province, is smashing stereotypes in a domain dominated by youth. They are seizing the moment as male models.

The oldest member is 76, the youngest 56. From Monday to Friday, they rehearse for 90 minutes a day.

"Catwalks are not only for young people. We can do it too," said Lu Hongxiang, a 69-year-old member of the group dubbed the Yingkou Sanwei University for the Elderly. "My life has become wonderful. I even wear high shoes to present a perfect effect on stage."

Zhang Wenzhi, the founder of the group, expressed enthusiasm.

"Their vitality and confidence have broken the public stereotype of the typical senior citizen," he said. "We can do it like young people."

As the first senior male models in Yingkou, members will participate in the eighth National Culture and Art Festival for the Middle-Aged and Elderly to be held in Liaoyang, Liaoning, at the end of this month.