Traveling through time and space.

Chapter 205 The Application of Taoist Culture in Elderly Care

While Mu Yang is fully committed to promoting innovation in precision nutrition services at his biotech company, he remains deeply concerned with various social groups, particularly the elderly. He understands that Taoist culture, rich in health-preserving wisdom and humanistic care, can be integrated into elderly care, adding a unique touch of color to their lives and improving their quality of life and sense of well-being. With this sense of mission in mind, Mu Yang embarked on the practical journey of applying Taoist culture to elderly care.

Mu Yang first visited a nursing home. The setting was tranquil and shady, with tall locust trees casting dappled shadows on either side of the path. Elderly residents basked in the sun in the garden, while others strolled leisurely along the corridors, occasionally overhearing quiet conversations. Mu Yang entered the activity hall and saw Taoist priests and volunteers preparing for an upcoming Taoist health lecture. Tables and chairs were neatly arranged in the hall, and images of Taoist health exercises were already displayed on a large screen in front.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our lecture today is of extraordinary significance. Taoist health-preserving exercises and concepts are of great benefit to the physical and mental health of the elderly. We must impart this knowledge to everyone with the greatest enthusiasm and the most professional attitude. This is not only a continuation of Taoist culture, but also a care and responsibility for the elderly." Mu Yang said to the Taoists and volunteers with a smile, his eyes full of encouragement and expectation, as if injecting a warm and firm strength into everyone.

Taoist Zhang, who was in charge of the lecture, nodded and said, "Mr. Mu, don't worry. We have prepared detailed explanatory materials, including not only text explanations but also vivid animations to help the elderly understand more intuitively. We will also demonstrate Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin movements on site, and invite several elderly people to practice on stage together to ensure they can easily understand and learn."

Soon, elderly people began to enter the hall, their faces filled with curiosity and anticipation. Some gathered in groups of two or three, quietly discussing the upcoming lecture, while others quietly found their seats, their eyes revealing a thirst for new knowledge. At the start of the lecture, Taoist Master Zhang explained the essentials of Taoist health-preserving exercises in a simple and accessible manner.

"Old friends, Tai Chi emphasizes the use of softness to overcome hardness, and the combination of movement and stillness. Long-term practice can not only enhance physical fitness, but also make our hearts calmer. It is like a dance in dialogue with one's own body, feeling the rhythm of life in every move. Look, like this..." Taoist Zhang explained while demonstrating standard Tai Chi movements. His movements were smooth and full of power and beauty.

The elderly people followed along diligently, and although some of the movements weren't quite standard, their enthusiasm was incredibly high. However, during practice, one elderly man, Mr. Li, raised a question: "Master, this Tai Chi looks great, but I'm old and weak, and some of the movements seem too strenuous. Are they bad for my health? I'm afraid I might sprain my back or twist my ankle." Concern was written all over Mr. Li's face as he carefully demonstrated the movements he had struggled to follow.

Taoist Zhang quickly explained, "Uncle Li, don't worry. Tai Chi movements require gradual progression. You don't have to force yourself to achieve the standard postures. Just follow your instincts and move your body slowly. The important thing is to enjoy the process and relax your body and mind. You can start with simple movements and gradually increase the difficulty. If a movement feels uncomfortable, stop and continue with an easier one. Our goal is to help you gain health and happiness through exercise, not to hurt you."

After the lecture, Mu Yang spoke with the nursing home staff. Ms. Wang, a staff member, said, "Mr. Mu, these activities are really popular with the elderly. Every time we hold a lecture like this, the elderly always come early to reserve a seat. However, we also face some problems. The contradiction between the funding for the Taoist Culture Elderly Care Project and the scope of service coverage is quite prominent. We would like to provide such services to more elderly people, increase the number of lectures, expand the scope of teaching health-preserving exercises, and even provide home guidance for elderly people with limited mobility. However, funds are limited and cannot meet all needs. Currently, our funding mainly relies on a small amount of government subsidies and social donations, which is far from enough to maintain the full implementation of the project."

Mu Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Sister Wang, you're right. We will actively seek more sources of funding, such as applying for funding from charitable organizations, explaining in detail the significance and effectiveness of our projects and gaining their support; cooperating with businesses to carry out public welfare projects, providing them with publicity opportunities in exchange for their financial investment. At the same time, we will rationally plan the use of funds and improve their efficiency. We can conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the projects and give priority to services that are effective and have a wide audience."

Next, Mu Yang arrived at the senior activity center. It was bustling with activity, as organizers were making final preparations for a Taoist music performance. On stage, performers tuned various instruments, including the melodious guzheng, the deep chimes, and the crisp wooden fish. Below, neatly arranged chairs surrounded the stage, adorned with Taoist ribbons and patterns.

"Mr. Mu, this time we have carefully planned a Taoist music appreciation meeting and invited a professional performance team. They are not only skilled in music, but also have a deep understanding of Taoist music. We hope that through beautiful music, the elderly can feel the charm of Taoist culture and find spiritual comfort in music." The organizer of the event, Brother Zhao, said excitedly, his face filled with anticipation for the success of the event.

The music appreciation session began, and melodious Taoist music echoed through the hall. The sound of the guzheng resembled the gurgling of water, the chimes echoed like the call of an ancient time, and the murmur of the wooden fish seemed to tell the story of the ages. The elderly listened quietly, their faces transfixed with ecstasy. Some closed their eyes slightly, lost in the music; others nodded gently to the rhythm, seemingly resonating with the music. After the music ended, a grandmother, Liu, excitedly exclaimed, "This music is so beautiful! It reminds me of so many things from my youth, and it makes me feel so much better. I feel like I've traveled back in time, and all those beautiful memories come flooding back."

However, during the event, conflicts over resource allocation emerged due to the differing needs of different elderly groups. Another senior citizen, Mr. Wang, suggested, "The music is great, but I prefer storytelling. Can you hold more Taoist storytelling sessions? I love hearing stories about gods and ghosts; they're incredibly engaging and can teach me a lot." Mr. Wang's eyes gleamed with eagerness, and his words resonated with several elderly people, who nodded in agreement.

Mu Yang quickly responded, "Grandpa Wang, your suggestion is very good. We will arrange the activities reasonably according to everyone's needs. In the future, we will increase the number of Taoist story sharing sessions and invite Taoist priests and volunteers who are good at storytelling to tell everyone wonderful Taoist stories. At the same time, we will also reasonably combine activities such as music appreciation and story sharing sessions so that everyone can enjoy their favorite cultural activities."

Mu Yang then arrived at the community service center for Taoist temples. Although the space was small, it was warm and peaceful. Taoist calligraphy and paintings hung on the walls, and a selection of Taoist classics lay on the table. Several Taoist priests sat with the elderly, listening to their concerns.

"Master Li, I've been feeling depressed lately. My children are busy and seldom have time to visit me. When I'm alone, I start to have all sorts of random thoughts and feel like I've been forgotten by the world." A grandmother named Zhao said with a sad face, her eyes revealing a deep loneliness and loss.

Taoist Priest Li patiently comforted her, "Grandma Zhao, Taoism emphasizes kindness and tolerance. Your children have their own difficulties. They may be busy making a living, but that doesn't mean they don't love you. We must learn to understand and let go. You can participate in more community activities, chat with everyone, and share your lives with each other. You still have friends like us here. Moreover, Taoism believes that inner peace comes from a calm acceptance of life. You can try to adjust your mindset and enjoy the present moment. For example, make yourself a cup of hot tea every day, look at the scenery outside the window, and appreciate the little beauties in life."

At this time, a community worker came over and whispered to Mu Yang, "Mr. Mu, during our service, we found that there are some potential conflicts between the Taoist Temple Community Service Center and other elderly care service agencies in the competition for service recipients. Some elderly people are hesitant when choosing a service agency. Other agencies may provide richer material services, while we mainly focus on spiritual care, which makes it difficult for some elderly people to make a decision."

After some thought, Mu Yang said, "We need to highlight the unique characteristics of Taoist cultural services. We not only provide material assistance, but also focus on spiritual care. By carrying out distinctive activities such as health lectures, music appreciation sessions, story sharing sessions, etc., we can let the elderly feel our sincerity and care. We can invite those who have benefited from it to share their feelings, so that more people can understand the unique value of our services. I believe they will make the choice that suits them."

As the application of Taoist culture in elderly care continues to deepen, more and more elderly people are benefiting from it. One day, Mu Yang received a thank-you letter from an elderly man.

"Mr. Mu, since attending these Taoist lectures and participating in these Taoist cultural activities, my life has become more colorful. I've learned health-preserving exercises, and my health is getting better and better. I used to be out of breath after climbing a few flights of stairs, but now it's much easier. Listening to Taoist stories has also made me calmer, and I no longer worry about trivial matters. Thank you for everything you have done for us. Your efforts have made us elderly people feel the care and warmth of society."

Looking at this thank you letter, Mu Yang's heart was filled with satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. He knew that everything he had done was worth it.

"I am deeply gratified to see that the lives of the elderly have become happier under the care of Taoist culture. I hope that Taoist culture can continue to play a role in caring for the elderly and bring warmth and happiness to more elderly people. In the future, we must continue to expand the content of services, innovate service methods, and let the care of Taoist culture cover more elderly people in need." Mu Yang said with emotion at a summary meeting. His words were full of power, inspiring everyone around him to continue working hard for the happy life of the elderly.

In the days to come, Muyang will continue to work hard and explore more ways to apply Taoist culture in caring for the elderly and contribute to the harmonious development of society.