Tsedekyi talks about her experiences in old Xizang at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering.
Tsedekyi lost both her parents and was forced to beg for a living from a very young age. During those years, she often endured hunger and cold, filling her stomach by picking up roasted barley from the ground. She had no residence to live in and no clothing to protect her from the cold. In the bitter winter, Tsedekyi could only curl up in others' cattle pens, seeking warmth against the cattle. Without shoes, her feet were frozen stiff and numb.
After the democratic reform in Xizang in 1959, Tsedekyi's life changed completely as various national policies aimed at improving people's well-being were put into effect.
Living together with 80 other senior citizens, Tsedekyi enjoys medical insurance, diverse daily meals, and a comfortable living environment, spending her remaining years in warmth and happiness. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi (2nd R) goes outside to enjoy sunlight with staff members at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi (R) attends a handicraft class with other elders at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi has her blood pressure measured at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi (2nd L) talks with staff members at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Tsedekyi (L) is pictured with a staff member at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi (front, 7th R) and other elders pose for a photo at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)
Tsedekyi poses for a portrait photo in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
Tsedekyi (C) dances with other elders at a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, March 25, 2026. Tsedekyi, an 82-year-old former serf, now enjoys her twilight years in a care center in Sangri County of Shannan City. In contrast, her life in old Xizang was filled with suffering. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)
