As my family members are reaching what we call "the elderly", I am more aware that we have far too many of our citizens sitting in retirement homes just waiting.
In my recent trip to Shanghai, I was surprised seeing with my own eyes why the Chinese seniors do not need rest-homes.
Grey hair and wrinkles seem a minor issue when you look into their happy and bright eyes.
With investigation, it was not too difficult to find answers.
Arriving in the mornings at the local park, hundreds of elderly gathered participating in their morning exercise: tai chi, rock `n' roll, ballroom dancing, playing cards, exercising on the playground equipment, reading the local newspapers or just deep in conversation.
Of late, there has been a lot of controversy about ratepayers' funds going into projects with which residents may or may not agree.
In Dunedin, we have a lot of suitable parks which can be converted for the use of our elderly.
Let us invest in our senior citizens.
Would it not be great if Dunedin was first to have a playground for the elderly?
Glenys Shum
Fairfield
This week's winner Glenys Shum, of Fairfield, receives a copy of Neville Peat's Hurricane Tim, Longacre Press, $39.99.
