Retirees relishing a return to work

In 2019, with the support of his wife and daughter, he put his plan into action and started the cafe on Zhongshan Street, Xianyang.

"It was not an easy decision, as I was worried about having no customers, failing to make a profit, and ultimately sustaining the business. Yet, I knew I had to do it, otherwise it would be a big regret," he said.

The decision proved to be one of the best he has ever made.

Shen said the greatest reward the cafe has brought him is the chance to meet young people. "In a sense, it has given me the opportunity to rejoin society after retirement," he said.

He added that he and his wife enjoy listening to young customers discussing work and life over coffee at his cafe.

"They make me feel younger and forget my age," Shen said, adding that it is good to see how some of his customers meet and get to know each other, before falling in love and getting married. Sometimes, he even helps arrange marriage proposals at his cafe.

Interacting with his customers has enabled Shen to gain a better understanding of young people's lifestyles.

"I can now see things from their perspective, and this has stopped me intervening with my daughter's life by imposing my views on her, as I used to do," he said.

When friends his age advised Shen to stop working and enjoy retirement by taking up activities such as walking, playing chess and mahjong, he politely declined.

"Isn't life about doing something, and if you're lucky, it's something that brings you pleasure," he said.

"I now love coffee, and I finally have plenty of time after retirement, so why not make a go of it?"