The passion of aging: The representation of localism in spiritual eldercare of Naxi in Lijiang

Abstract

As concepts of place, locality, and localism have been abundantly discussed separately but seldom juxtaposed, the close examination of the divergence and complementarity among Place, Locality, and Localism will be the theoretical and methodological basis for the current research. In this article, I argue that diverse self-organized group activities of Lijiang Naxi elders in southwest China are prospered by the orchestration of their local identity, ethnic identity and the personal pursuit of aesthetic of skills. All these forms of belonging based on localism are constructed within the local sphere, facilitating a passionate and positive eldercare pattern in the small city. By juxtaposing the concepts of locality and localism in the local context, the creative agency and spirituality of the elders in Lijiang alternatively serve as a possible lens to seek elders’ positive involvement and delicate positionality in local cultural dynamics.