KTV is becoming the haunt for Chinese elderly

Chinese elderly are waiting in a KTV bar [Photo: from News.cn by Ye Yuanhao]

Once the first choice of entertainment for the nation's youth, KTV bars are now becoming the favored hangout for China's elderly.

China has an aging population. The number of people over 60 reached 16.7 percent of the population at the end of 2016, and by 2030 this will hit 25 percent.

In order to get the elderly out more and improve their quality of life, the China Culture & Entertainment Industry Association teamed up with the Chinese entertainment industry to launch a program called "Sunshine Entertainment, Sunset Glow."

More than 200 entertainment firms in 23 provincial regions joined the program, which offers free or discounted recreational activities such as daytime karaoke to people over 50, benefiting millions of seniors.

The program has made karaoke affordable for the elderly. A room for 10, with free coffee and water, costs fewer than 100 Yuan (US$15) during the day at the Milo KTV branch in Chongwenmen.

 [The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI]

(News source: News.cn)