TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — On the eve of the Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival, which celebrates the elderly, Taiwan’s Social and Family Affairs Administration under the Ministry of Welfare organized a fashion show in Taipei as part of an annual "Fun Market." 

The show at the Hakka Cultural Park on Sunday (Oct. 6) allowed seniors to showcase their style and personality. In collaboration with a local artist and clothing designer called Eyeball, 19 elderly models were turned into fashion models with designs inspired by their life stories, reported CNA. 

Surrounded by friends, family, and curious onlookers, the energetic seniors strutted down the runway. The event was filled with excitement and fun despite the age of the models.   

For some, like 90-year-old Grandpa Chia-Ching (嘉慶), this was his first time being a fashion model. The crowd gave him lots of encouragement. “If I’m still here next year, I’m definitely going to do the catwalk again,” he told CNA.

As Taiwan is set to become a super-aged society, the Ministry of Health and Welfare remains committed to ensuring the quality of life and ample social resources for the elderly. Taiwan’s elderly population surpassed 4.4 million in 2024 and accounts for almost 19% of the total population. 

The Double Ninth Festival, which falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the lunar calendar, is an important time to show respect for elders in society. With events like Sunday’s fashion show, the Social and Family Affairs Division hopes to highlight that the elderly can still have new and positive experiences while serving as a dynamic and inspirational part of society.