It's been 15 years since China passed a law protecting the rights of the elderly. On Wednesday, the country's top legislature discussed a report on the enforcement of the law. So how are senior citizens faring in the country? Our reporter takes us to a community in Beijing to find out.

Mr. Liu Junqi lives with his wife in this community in Southwest Beijing.

Away from his two sons, 71-year-old Mr. Liu is always afraid his chronic illnesses will return, when there is nobody around to help him and his wife.

Liu Junqi, Senior Citizen, Beijing, said, "I have high blood pressure, and cancer. Last year, I was diagnosed with diabetes. So my wife and I are always afraid we will get sick again."

Fortunately, last month, Mr. Liu signed a contract with the community to hire a family doctor, who is able to come to his home anytime. Meanwhile, during the summer vacation, students are sent to the homes of senior citizens to accompany them in public and to help them to do housework.

But senior citizens often say it’s the company of their children they miss most.

Tian Shuxiang,Senior Citizen, Beijing, said, "My only desire is that my daughters come to my house twice a week, because both my husband and I are both unhealthy."

While the families take the responsibility of caring for their elderly parents, senior citizens are also hoping to have a more elderly-friendly environment in their communities.

Yu Zhen, Senior Citizen, Beijing, said, "I hope that we can have a dining hall in the community for our convenience."

To fulfill the recreational needs of the elderly, this community is also helping to organize leisure and sports activities.

Li Yan, Senior Citizen, Beijing, said, "Our Taichi was formed 4 years ago. Now we have 30 people from 50 to 74 years old. Every morning, we practice 2 hours together, in all weathers. It brings us health and happiness."

Dancing teams, ping pong teams, not only give senior citizens an opportunity to do physical exercises, but it also serves as a platform for them to get together and enjoy their later years.

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