87-Year-Old Grandma Breaks Stereotypes as Restaurant Server in Chongqing

Liu Po Po was brought to the city by her family, who worried that she might feel lonely and out of place in her new surroundings. Her daughter-in-law, the owner of a hot pot restaurant, decided to include the elderly woman as part of the team, hoping that it would help her make new friends and feel more integrated into her new environment. Speaking to local media, the daughter-in-law said that Liu Po Po was enjoying her new role and felt a strong sense of purpose as a result. The decision to invite the elderly woman to work at the restaurant has been met with a mixture of positive and negative reactions on Weibo.

Many users expressed their support for the family's initiative, pointing out that it was a thoughtful way to help the grandmother feel included and valued. Some even praised the restaurant for creating a unique and charming atmosphere with their six-member team, which includes Liu Po Po and the family cat.

One user commented, "Old people fear loneliness the most, and this approach is really kind and warm. With the grandmother, the cat, and the other employees, the restaurant now has a cozy atmosphere that feels like a big, happy family." However, other users expressed concerns about the grandmother's ability to handle the physically demanding tasks associated with working in a restaurant.

They argued that, despite her apparent good health, an 87-year-old should not be expected to perform the same duties as younger staff members. One user wrote, "I just can't imagine an 87-year-old lady washing dishes, peeling vegetables, and cleaning the kitchen in a busy restaurant. Even if she's in good health, it's not fair to ask her to do the same work as someone half her age."

Despite these concerns, the family has been praised for their efforts to ensure that Liu Po Po remains active and engaged in her new city. They have been urged to take the necessary precautions to protect her while she is working, including obtaining a health certificate for food handling.

One user commented, "It's really sweet that the family has included their grandmother in their restaurant business. However, they need to make sure she is protected and safe while she's working. Getting a health certificate is a wise move." The story of Liu Po Po's new job has also spurred discussions on the broader issue of retirement age in China, with some users expressing concern that older people are being pressured to work well into their later years.

They argue that the Chinese government should take steps to ensure that senior citizens have access to adequate pensions and healthcare, so that they can retire with dignity and live out the rest of their lives in comfort. One user wrote, "While it's great to see this family making an effort to include their grandmother in their business, it's also important to remember that older people should not be expected to work until they drop. The government needs to do more to ensure that senior citizens have access to the support they need to retire with dignity." In response to these discussions, the Chinese government has recently announced plans to increase the retirement age for both men and women in the coming years. While this may alleviate some of the concerns about older people having to work for longer, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that senior citizens in China are given the respect and support they deserve.

As for Liu Po Po, her new role as a restaurant server seems to be bringing her a lot of joy and fulfillment. Let's hope that her story inspires more employers to think creatively when it comes to integrating older people into their workforce. In the meantime, if you find yourself in Chongqing and in the mood for some delicious hot pot, why not drop by the restaurant where Liu Po Po is working?