GUANGZHOU, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- At the outpatient lobby in a hospital of Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, the melodious sound of a piano drifted through the air, bringing warmth to the patients. The melodic tune came courtesy of 89-year-old pianist Wu Pinxian.

Wu is a volunteer piano player at the Guangzhou Panyu Central Hospital. Every Thursday, she takes a cab from the nursing home where she resides to the hospital and offers piano performances free of charge to the patients and staff.

"Mental and physical health are both important. I hope I can comfort the souls of patients with my music," said Wu.

Born in Guangzhou, she has been in love with music since childhood. "When I was a child, I often watched Cantonese opera with my family and so I fell in love with music," Wu recalled.

When she was in junior high school and normal school, she started learning to play the piano and was able to play some simple pieces.

After she was employed by the provincial association for science and technology, Wu became too busy to enjoy her favorite hobby. It was not until retirement that she had the opportunity to pick up music again. She learned to play the traditional Chinese string instrument, the erhu, in a university for the elderly.

Last year, Wu moved into a nursing home, where she learned that the hospital was recruiting volunteers to play the piano. She signed up immediately.

Because of her poor eyesight, she cannot see the music scores clearly, so she has to memorize them before she heads to the hospital.

Luo Zhenkui, an official with the hospital, said the hospital launched a volunteer project offering music services last year, aiming to ease the patients' anxiety and create a better medical environment.

"Now many young people, including students, have joined the volunteers," said Luo.

In late January, Wu was invited to perform at a New Year concert held by the hospital. Together with a junior high school student, she played a Cantonese song, winning wide applause.

As part of efforts to address the challenges of an aging population, China has recently released a guideline, supporting the elderly to participate in sectors such as public affairs, philanthropy and voluntary services.

"I am willing to do things that are good for me and for others, like playing the piano," said Wu. Enditem

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