In a lively Shanghai neighborhood, energetic music fills the air as a group dances to K-pop beats. Surprisingly, these enthusiastic dancers are all over 50, part of a unique community called Just Begin Life. Co-founded by young entrepreneurs Huang Jiayi and Lu Min, this club re-imagines retirement by offering seniors dynamic social experiences beyond traditional expectations.
Launched in 2023, Just Begin Life targets active retirees seeking meaningful connections and personal growth. Unlike typical senior-focused services centered on healthcare, the club addresses mental and emotional needs through creative activities. From jazz dance and DJ parties to rock climbing and English meetups, members explore passions they once set aside. Activities are priced between 50 to 200 yuan, with adjustments made to ensure age-friendly challenges. “We aim to build confidence through shared learning,” Huang explained.
The club’s success lies in its co-creative approach. Retirees themselves propose ideas — like the popular DJ nights — and lead events. One member discovered a talent for oil painting, earning a gallery exhibition within months. Another found comfort in a book club after losing a loved one. “These interactions create spaces for healing,” Lu noted.
Breaking stereotypes, the club highlights seniors’ vibrant lifestyles. Collaborations with brands like milk tea chain Chagee further showcase their influence. Posters featuring a globetrotting (环球旅行的) 70-year-old diver and a gaming enthusiast now decorate stores citywide, challenging assumptions about aging.
Building trust initially posed challenges. Many seniors hesitated to join online groups, fearing scams. To ease concerns, Huang and Lu hosted casual tea gatherings. Starting with just 20 attendees, these events soon grew as members bonded over shared interests. Today, the club boasts over 2,000 members, proving that retirement can be a time of rediscovery.
For the founders, the journey has been transformative. Lu now communicates more thoughtfully with her parents, understanding seniors’ perspectives better. “Our members inspire me to rethink aging,” she said.
By blending innovation with empathy, Just Begin Life not only enriches retirees’ lives but also reshapes societal views on aging. As Huang puts it, “Age is just a number. Passion and curiosity have no expiration date.”
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1.1. What is special about Just Begin Life?
A It is established by senior citizens.
B It provides traditional social activities.
C It mainly focuses on seniors’ healthcare.
D It meets seniors’ mental and emotional needs.
解析：选D。D 细节理解题。根据第二段的“Unlike typical senior-focused services centered on healthcare, the club addresses mental and emotional needs through creative activities.”可知，该俱乐部的特别之处在于满足老年人的心理和情感需求，而不是关注医疗保健，也不是提供传统社交活动，且是由年轻企业家创立，并非老年人。故选D。
2.2. What does the underlined part“These interactions” in Para.3 refer to?
A Proposing ideas.
B Discovering talents.
C Activities in the club.
D Losing loved ones.
解析：选C。C 词意指代题。根据第三段划线不分前文可知，退休人员在俱乐部中提出想法（如举办DJ之夜）、组织活动，还有成员发现绘画天赋以及在俱乐部中获得情感慰藉等，这些都属于俱乐部内的活动。所以“These interactions”指的是俱乐部中的各种活动。故选C。
3.3. What can we know from the club’s collaborations with brands?
A Brands heavily depend on seniors.
B Seniors’ influence is recognized.
C Clubs rely on brand support.
D Brands lead the aging trend.
解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第四段提到的俱乐部与像霸王茶姬这样的品牌合作进一步展示了“他们”（老年人）的影响力，这意味着老年人的影响力得到了认可。故选B。
4.4. What does the success of Just Begin Life tell readers?
A Seniors desire a different life.
B Young people understand seniors well.
C There were no alike clubs before.
D Seniors dislike loneliness.
解析：选A。A 推理判断题。根据第二段提到，俱乐部提供了各种非传统的活动和倒数第三段提到的该俱乐部拥有2000多名会员，可推知，老年人对这些新体验很感兴趣，意味着他们想要过一种不同的生活。故选A。
