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Taiwanese 'Graffiti Village' Eases Elderly Loneliness

Agence France-Presse

   Nestled in the mist-covered foothills of Taiwan's central mountain
   range, Ruan Chiao village is virtually devoid of young people, but
   artist Wu Tsun-hsien is coaxing the Instagram generation back by
   transforming local homes into a canvas of color.

   Dipping his brush into a tin of beige emulsion, he carefully applies
   new layers of paint to his latest production, a vibrant rural scene
   depicting farmers in traditional weave hats tending to a flock of
   animals.

   Behind him, an elderly villager with a walking stick shuffles his way
   down the main street, which is plastered with Wu's colorful paintings.

   "This village is full of old people," the 55-year-old laments,
   explaining how the vast majority of youngsters, including his own
   children, have moved to the city, leaving elderly residents listless
   and lonely.

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