A recent initiative by the Shanghai Civil Affairs Bureau and 27 other municipal departments aims to better utilize the potential of the city's elderly population by optimizing employment support for seniors. The program focuses on developing diverse and personalized job opportunities suitable for older adults.
Retirees' demand for and willingness to re-enter the workforce have seen significant growth. Authorities encourage businesses and social organizations to actively create suitable positions for elderly workers. Shanghai has already seen the emergence of various new roles tailored for retired individuals.
Two such "silver-haired talents" were recently interviewed, showcasing how they leverage their experience while continuously learning new skills in their positions.
Chen Zujiang, a 63-year-old former office director at a state-owned enterprise, has reinvented himself as a professional photographer. Now working as a Travel Guardian for Trip.com Group Limited's senior travel brand, Chen maintains a packed schedule working 25 days monthly while sleeping just three to four hours nightly. Despite his intense workload, he finds the work deeply fulfilling.
Chen's photographic journey began after retirement when he decided to pursue his long-dormant interest in photography. Through persistent practice, he developed his skills to the point where he was selected from over 3,000 applicants for his current role, which pays 1,500 yuan daily.
The Travel Guardian position requires skills including photography, video editing, and providing companion services, with emphasis on emotional support and social care for tour group members. Chen's responsibilities include taking nearly 1,000 photos and 10-20 videos daily during tours, while also monitoring group members' health and assisting those feeling unwell.
When asked about his motivation, Chen explained that financial gain isn't his primary driver. Instead, he seeks new purpose and achievement in this chapter of his life.
Another success story is Hu Zhengchi, a recent retiree in her fifties who works as a costume organizer at a Shanghai traditional dress studio. Originally from Chongqing, Hu moved to Shanghai to be with her daughter and sought employment to combat loneliness and supplement household income.
The studio manager explained that retired women like Hu are ideally suited for this role, which involves intricate sewing repairs and assisting customers with complex traditional dress fittings - tasks that younger workers often find unappealing or lack the patience to perform well.
These cases represent a growing trend of seniors finding meaningful employment in unexpected fields. While concerns exist about potential competition with younger workers, employers note that elderly workers often fill complementary roles that younger generations avoid.
Industry professionals suggest that senior employment can create new opportunities rather than simply redistributing existing ones. As companies develop more products and services targeting silver-haired consumers, they simultaneously create additional positions in operations and planning that appeal to younger employees.
However, challenges remain in promoting senior employment. Employers emphasize the need for government-supported skills training and digital literacy programs to help older workers adapt to modern workplaces. Retirees in the workforce also call for improved labor protections, including health examination subsidies, accident insurance, and clear limits on work intensity to ensure both their safety and their families' peace of mind.