- In recent times, cultural, artistic, and sports activities among elderly members in Lang Son province have developed vigorously and spread widely. Through practical activities, the elderly have been playing a core role in preserving national cultural identity, improving spiritual life, and strengthening community cohesion.
During our trip to Huu Lien commune (Huu Lung district), we had the opportunity to witness the vibrant rehearsal atmosphere of the elderly performing arts group at the commune's cultural center. Despite being over 70 years old, many of them enthusiastically performed traditional folk songs, operas, and ceremonial dances... with traditional costumes and full props, their singing blending with the sound of drums and joyful laughter. Each performance showcased their investment, dedication, and love for folk art.
According to the Elderly Association of Huu Lien commune, the entire commune maintains a commune-level arts club with nearly 30 members; in all 7 villages, there are arts troupes with more than 80 members who participate regularly. In particular, the traditional Cheo singing troupe, consisting of 15 elderly people, is considered a "cultural treasure" of the locality, contributing to preserving traditional identity.
Since 2017, when the Huu Lien community tourism village came into operation, the cultural and artistic activities of the elderly have flourished. The performing arts groups have organized more than 50 performances, serving tourists from within and outside the province. Traditional folk songs such as Then, Cheo, and Chau Van, performed by the elderly themselves, have become a unique highlight, contributing to promoting the culture and image of their homeland to friends near and far.
Not only in Huu Lien, the cultural, artistic, and sports movement among the elderly is spreading strongly in many localities throughout the province. In Vinh Trai ward ( Lang Son city), the elderly arts club regularly practices and performs Tay and Nung folk songs, bamboo dances, fan dances, etc. The club has represented the city many times at the provincial-level Elderly Singing Festival, leaving a deep impression. Ms. Lam Minh Tan (66 years old), a member of the Vinh Trai ward arts club, shared: “Participating in activities helps me love life more, make more friends, live happily and usefully. We encourage each other to maintain good health and an optimistic spirit to set a good example for our children and grandchildren.”
Alongside cultural and artistic activities, sports activities among the elderly have also developed diversely, especially in border districts such as Dinh Lap, Van Lang, Loc Binh, and Trang Dinh… Among them, soft volleyball is favored by many elderly people due to its suitability for their physical abilities. In communes and towns, the elderly regularly maintain training sessions and friendly competitions, both to improve their health and to create a vibrant atmosphere in the community.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lien (65 years old), a member of the Elderly People's Folk Dance and Sports Club in Zone 2, Dinh Lap town, said: "Every morning or late afternoon, we go out to the field to play volleyball. We exercise and chat, and our spirits are lifted. The folk dance performances on the pedestrian street are also enthusiastically received by the residents."
Cultural, artistic, and sports activities for the elderly are not limited to the grassroots level; they are also systematically organized at the district and provincial levels. Every year, the Provincial Association of the Elderly, in coordination with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, organizes the Elderly Singing Festival, creating a healthy and beneficial playground that encourages members to develop their talents and live positively. Through these festivals, many outstanding singers have been discovered, and many exemplary individuals have been recognized, contributing to the widespread development of the movement. Simultaneously, sports competitions for the elderly are also organized regularly, helping members improve their physical fitness, enhance their health, maintain mental clarity, and live happily and healthily.
The province currently has 445 senior citizen clubs with over 11,000 members participating in various activities such as: performing arts, health exercises, recreational volleyball, environmental protection, and building a cultured lifestyle... an increase of 75 clubs and over 4,000 members compared to 2020. These activities operate on a voluntary basis, becoming a spiritual home for senior citizens in the community.
Mr. Nong Ngoc Tang, Chairman of the Lang Son Provincial Association of Elderly People, said: “The cultural, artistic, and sports movement of elderly people in the province has developed significantly in recent times, spreading from the provincial level to the grassroots. Many units such as Vinh Trai ward (Lang Son city), Huu Lien commune (Huu Lung district), Na Sam town (Van Lang district), Mai Sao commune (Chi Lang district)... maintain effective activities; cultural and sports teams regularly organize performances and exchanges during holidays, festivals, and community events. In the future, the association will continue to innovate the content of activities and promote the role of elderly people in building cultural life in residential areas.”
With optimism, responsibility, and a desire to contribute, the Elderly Association of Lang Son province is helping to preserve cultural identity, strengthen community bonds, and become a source of spiritual support and positive inspiration for today's young generation.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/nguoi-cao-tuoi-xu-lang-vui-van-hoa-sang-tinh-than-5049585.html
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