Students at an average age of 68 years old are having their fashion modeling course at a college for seniors in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
Dressed in the same outfit, walking upright and confident, every time a group of amateur male models, aged 60 and above, show up, they elicit "oohs" and "aahs" from spectators.
With average age of 68 years, the special model crew is made up of students who take fashion modeling course at a college for seniors in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, and boasts the only one in the city.
There were only seven students in the class when the college first offered the course in male fashion modeling in 2012. Six years later the figure has grown to 40, half in the basic class and half in the advanced one.
The oldest student is 75 years old and their heights ranges from 1.72 meters to 1.92 meters.
The students in the advanced class are given a number of chances to show their walks and themselves in big and small events.
With average age of 68 years, the special model crew strikes poses for picture at a college for seniors in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
A fashion show presented by Dai Jinming, 61, together with his teammates became a highlight on gala performances held three days in a row for villagers in Enshi, Hubei province, this summer and received round of warm applauses from them.
"Good appearance and having fun is also important to the seniors," said Dai. His positive and inspiring vibe also rubs off on his offspring. "Now my grandson likes to find fine clothes for me when I go out," he added.
"I have nothing to do after retirement so I take the model thing as my job. People should be happy and I feel so when take fashion modeling class at the college," said Huang Heping, 62, another college student and a former sailor.
Besides being happy, some of them have also become healthier.
Li Kejian, 72, used to walk with a stoop and be low in spirit because of lumbar disease, before he started practicing model's walk in 2013. "Learning and practicing walking for five years has straightened up his body and cheered him up. I looked after him in the past but now he is able to take care of me," said Tao Yuheng, Li's wife.
With average age of 68 years, the special model crew dressed in the same outfit strikes poses for picture. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
These elders are also gentlemen.
Dai Liangshu, the class leader, absolutely objects to the idea that the retired old people can live free from the public rules and social morality. "Don't be an old man that everyone hates," he often says so to his classmates.
Under his leadership, the model crew behaves in a self-disciplined way in public places. When they go for a performance via subway, they will give their seats to pregnant women and children. If they arrive at the rehearsal venue in advance, they will wait outside for others quietly.
Smart, optimistic and graceful, the model crew glows in their twilight years.
With average age of 68 years, the special model crew dressed in the same outfit strikes poses for picture. (Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn)
