Three-Have Village in Tibet Offers a Model for Happy Aging
Lhasa, Tibet – In the heart of the Tibetan Plateau, a villagenamed San You, meaning Three Have, is showcasing a unique model for happy aging, offering its residents a life of comfort, prosperity, and well-being.
San You Village, nestled on the banks of the Lhasa River, is a young village, just eight years old. It was established in 2016 as Tibet’s first relocation site for poverty alleviation, bringing together 184 families from remote mountainous areas. The villagers, who previously lived in dilapidated homes with limited access to water and electricity, were relocated to modern,two-story Tibetan-style houses, providing them with a comfortable and secure living environment.
Before, we lived in the mountains, our houses leaked, and we often had no water or electricity, said Tsering Tashi, a68-year-old villager. Now, I live in a new house with my son, it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. I can go to the Happiness Station and spend time with other elders, eating, chatting, and watching TV. I never imagined I could have a life like this.
Thevillage’s name, Three Have, encapsulates its vision for its residents: Have housing, have industry, have health. The Three Have model goes beyond providing basic necessities, aiming to create a holistic environment where residents can thrive.
To ensure have industry, the village collective has established a series ofbusinesses, including poultry farms, dairy farms, vegetable greenhouses, and textile workshops. These ventures have generated a collective income of 1.59 million yuan in 2023, creating 445 job opportunities for the villagers. The average income per capita has also significantly increased from around 3,000yuan at the time of relocation to 20,700 yuan today.
Recognizing the need to address the challenges faced by elderly residents, particularly those with working-age children who are away from home, the village established a Happiness Station in 2020. This community center provides arange of services, including meals, healthcare, fitness activities, and social gatherings. In 2022, with the support of Jiangsu province’s aid program, the Happiness Station was expanded into a two-story building, further enhancing its capacity to serve the community.
We have a dedicated room for childcare, said Hua Dema, the village’s first secretary. During school holidays, children who don’t have anyone to look after them can come here to do their homework. The Happiness Station has become a central hub for the community, fostering a sense of belonging and supporting the well-being of all residents,from the youngest to the oldest.
The Happiness Station is a testament to the village’s commitment to have health. It offers a variety of activities and services designed to promote physical and mental well-being, including health education sessions, fitness classes, and social gatherings. The station also provides a space for residents toconnect with each other, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
We also organized a trip to the Qu Shui Zoo for the elderly, said Sangzhu Qupei, the village party secretary. They were so excited to see the animals, especially the elephants. It was a dream come true for many of them.
The Three Have model is a testament to the transformative power of community development. By prioritizing the needs of its residents, San You Village has created a thriving environment where people of all ages can live happy and fulfilling lives. The village’s success serves as an inspiration for other communities seeking to build a brighter future fortheir residents.
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