Members of the Just Begin Life Club engage in a variety of activities. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Shining through

The evolving lifestyles of people over 50 have also caught the attention of brands, leading to unexpected collaborations. One of the most surprising partnerships for the two young managers was with Chagee, a popular milk tea chain.

"The brand noticed a growing number of senior customers in their stores, showing that milk tea is no longer just a trend among young people," Lu said.

Several members of Just Begin Life were featured in the brand's posters, highlighting the vibrant and active lifestyles of Chinese seniors. Among them is an elderly woman who travels the world as a diver and another who enjoys playing video games in retirement. These posters are currently displayed in all the brand's offline stores across Shanghai.

Running the club has also been a journey of personal growth for Lu and Huang.

Lu observed a positive change in the way she communicates with her parents. She has become more empathetic, gaining a deeper understanding of older adults' perspectives and noticing details she once overlooked.

"The experiences of our members have given me a new way of seeing life, prompting me to reconsider the kind of life I want to lead as I grow older," Lu said.