Ningbo coffee shop connects elderly coffee lovers

Seniors enjoy coffee at a coffee shop whose staff are all elderly volunteers in Wan'an Community, Ningbo. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Coffee is no longer just for young people but also the elderly in Ningbo, Zhejiang province.

The city's Wan'an Community is home to a coffee shop named "Old Friend Charity Coffee Club", where all the staff members and the majority of its customers are seniors.

"It was originally a public reading room whose visitors were mostly seniors. They suggested turning the reading room into a 'book cafe' where people can read books while enjoying coffee," said Xu Jianying, the Party sevretary of Wan'an Community.

In October, a company donated a coffee machine and offered coffee training to members of the community. The community established the coffee shop and called for elderly residents to serve as volunteers at the shop. More than 30 residents have heeded the call. 75-year-old Gong Nongdi is among them. 

"Over 20 years ago, I tasted my first cup of coffee. I've been in love with it ever since," said Gong, "Though I like drinking coffee, I knew little about how to make it, especially lattes."

After receiving training, Gong has mastered the entire coffee-making processes and works at the shop half a day each week.

"Last week, I made 48 cups of coffee," she said.

During the shop's one-month trial operation period, an average of 50 cups of coffee have been sold daily, with more than half of the customers being seniors.

During the period, customers can enjoy free coffee. After the official opening, the price of each cup will be set at 9.9 yuan ($1.38).

"The revenue will be used for community activities and supporting those in need," said Xu.