Over 50’s bikini contest

More than 400 middle-aged and elderly men and women have taken part in a swimwear event in the Chinese city of Tianjin. The contest is organised by a senior citizens’ committee to promote health and wellness is in its third year running.

The ‘Grandbikini’ event kicked off Saturday at a local water park in Tianjin, including a handful of men eager to pose.

A panel of judges rates participants on criteria like stage presence, smiles and gestures with more than 100 awards presented including one to the oldest participant, Ma Jing, a 78-year old cancer survivor.

“I’m very honoured. If I can take part in a bikini contest at this age, for me it means I’m mentally happy and physically healthy,” she said.

But for many, it was more about confidence, encouraging a positive attitude towards growing older, and perhaps trying to prove that age is just a number.