Courage, dignity heal scars of Tangshan quake

Growing old together

For some paraplegic survivors, rebuilding their lives meant family and companionship.

In 1991, Tangshan Rehabilitation Village was established as a barrier-free community for people with paraplegia. That same year, 10 couples held a collective wedding there. Among them were Zheng Weiqin and Yang Zhixi.

"We're just like anyone else," Zheng said. "We cook our own meals and take care of ourselves."

The duo divides the household chores much like any other couple. Yang rides his electric scooter to buy groceries and run errands, while Zheng cooks, cleans and tends the jasmine plants that have grown in their home for nearly two decades.

But as both have entered their 70s, their biggest challenge is no longer paraplegia, but aging.

In recent years, Yang developed breathing problems and was later diagnosed with diabetes. Zheng began adjusting his meals, learning how to manage his diet and reminding him to take better care of himself. "I used to tell him," she said with a laugh. "Now he finally listens."

For many of these paraplegic survivors, growing old has brought a new reality. Alongside lifelong disabilities come diabetes, hypertension, respiratory illnesses and other chronic conditions that require long-term care.

Yet, leaving the rehabilitation center doesn't mean leaving its support behind.

On the morning of our visit, a team of doctors and nurses from the center came to Yang's home, accompanied him for a chest CT scan, then brought him home again. After reviewing the results, they later delivered his medication.

Zhao Lili, a rehabilitation physician, said many older residents delay seeking treatment because they do not want to burden others, or they have no family members able to accompany them. Even a routine examination may require several people to help transfer a wheelchair user onto an examination table.

"The biggest fear isn't illness," Zhao said. "It's wondering who will be there when you need help."

She has spent nearly three decades watching Tangshan's paraplegic survivors grow older.

"When I joined the center in 1998, rehabilitation was about helping them return to society," she said.

"Today, our focus is on managing the complications of long-term paraplegia and aging, so they can maintain the best possible quality of life."

Those complications now include osteoporosis, shoulder injuries, urinary tract infections, pressure sores and declining cardiopulmonary function.

To address those changing needs, the center has introduced new rehabilitation equipment, including standing wheelchairs to slow physical decline and prevent complications.

"When they are able to stand again, even with the help of the device, you can see the change in their mood," Zhao said.

Protecting upper-body function is a priority.

After decades of relying on their arms for wheelchair mobility and daily transfers, many residents develop shoulder injuries and chronic pain, making it increasingly difficult to maintain their independence, she said.