As China marks 60 years since the founding of Xizang, CGTN is launching the series "A Journey to Prosperity," highlighting the region's modernization and transformation. By the banks of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, Sanyou Village has opened a one-of-a-kind senior daycare center with the aim of spreading happiness. CGTN's Xu Yanwen takes a look.
Each morning, caregiver Phurzhen arrives early, watering plants, tidying the space and preparing butter tea and fruit to welcome the elders.
After 10 a.m., elders begin to arrive.
PHURZHEN Caregiver "My daily work includes serving three meals, organizing health and leisure activities, and keeping things clean. I serve butter tea and sweet tea after the elders arrive."
The center runs on weekdays, serving 18 seniors who stay until dinner, many waiting for their children to return from work.
"Before, many of them had to stay at home by themselves, feeling lonely, as their children worked far away. Since coming here, they've become more cheerful and healthier."
Sanyou Village was established in 2016 as Xizang's first poverty alleviation relocation village.
Supported by Jiangsu Province, this daycare center opened in 2020 to meet the growing needs of elderly care and ease pressure on working families.
PENBA DROLMA Center Director "Before setting up the center, we visited every household to understand what the elders needed. Some had no one at home to cook or care for them. Others had children juggling work and caregiving. Our goal is to make sure the elderly are looked after, and help families focus on their work to earn a better living. All services here are free."
Community workers visit weekly, organizing games to keep minds and bodies active.
93-year-old Dechen Chonyi enjoys singing, moments like this bring out the joy and spirit in many of the residents.
The center includes a small clinic, a playroom for children and a massage room.
Local doctors check blood pressure and offer basic medical care.
During summer break, Phurzhen's daughter often visits to read and play with other kids.
To many here, it feels like an extended family.
"What do you like most about the Happiness Station?"
LHAZIN Resident "Chatting with others. It lifts my mood."
"How do you find the services?"
"They're very good."
"Do your children live nearby?"
TSERING TASHI Resident "No, they're all in Lhasa."
"How often do they visit?"
"Three or four times a month."
"Do you miss them?"
"Not really."
"Are you happy with your life now?"
"Yes, I'm quite content."
Phurzhen shares a special bond with the elders.
PHURZHEN Caregiver "We're like family. They trust me. If they need medicine, help with banking, or shopping, I go with them. And sometimes, when I'm too busy to eat, they bring me tea and remind me to rest. Their kindness means a lot."
The average life expectancy of people in Xizang has more than doubled over the past 6 decades, rising from 35.5 to 72.5 years.
11 national elder-friendly communities have been built across the region, while over 12 million yuan has been invested in home upgrades for over 3-thousand-5-hundred vulnerable households.
And, more than 30 elderly care policies have been implemented, bringing services closer to more people.
PHURZHEN Caregiver "I've seen how much Xizang has changed. I grew up in a poor family. Back then, schools were far, roads were rough and we had just one hospital in the county. Now, every village has clinics, supermarkets, kindergartens. Life has improved so much. I'm grateful, and I'll keep doing my best to help elders live even better, happier lives."
XU YANWEN Sanyou Village, Qushui County "'Happiness Station' projects are now reaching more villages and towns in Xizang. More families will access integrated services including elderly care, child support, and community healthcare – passing this shared happiness through generations. Xu Yanwen, CGTN, Sanyou Village, Qushui County."