Chinese e-commerce websites fail to pay more attention to older consumers, says a news report.

    There's been a thought that younger consumers have been the driving force of online buying. That may not be the case. According to a statement from Alipay, the average expenditure (支出) of Alipayusers born before the 1960s was 31,000 yuan in 2012, much higher than 14,000 yuan of those born after the 1980s. It shows that online shopping has become akey part of people's daily consumption, for both young and old.

    Besides shopping, people pay bills such as water bill, electricity bill, and credit card repayment online. The middle-aged and senior consumers are also participating in that consumption revolution.

    Liu Chen, 56, said that his online expenditure in 2014 was over 50,000 yuan, about half of the total annual expenditure. He always pays his telephone bill online. Clothes, electrical appliances and kids' snacks are themain items he purchases online.

    Liu's shopping strategy is to find something good online first, then go to shops to check it out, and finally buy it online because it is cheaper. As quality concerns him, Liu only buys items that come with aguarantee.

    Stories such as those from Liu are representative of millions of middle-aged and older Chinese, which show the great potential of the aged inthe Chinese consumption market. Yet, the market seems not to be valued as it should be.

    Some Chinese e-commerce websites such as jd. com, dangdang. comand amazon. cn don't have a category for goods for the elderly on their mainpages. Alibaba's platform does have one, but the goods in it are not as abundant as other categories. Moreover, Taobao's category is not really designed for elders, but their children.

    Despite the seeming lack of commitment to older consumers, the Chinese market for the elderly is clearly huge, and e-commerce websites should takegreat efforts to develop it.

    In no particular order, here are some songs on the Music app of my phone:

On a Sunday Afternoon by Lighter Shade of Brown—A student of mine introduced this rap song lo me all the way back in the early 1990s, when 1 was teaching Spanish at a local university. The story in the song takes place not too far from where I live in Los Angeles. It's a good "driving" song, nothing complicated or "deep".

    Say Something by A Great Big World—A more recent song about a couple losing contact with each other. The piano part is very little playing but beautiful.

    American Pie by Don McLean—Another song from my youth in the 80s, very popular with almost every American of my generation. It retells some of the key events of the middle 20th century, a song of happy memories of the past and wanting to return to those better times.

    The Weight by The Band—Another old song, originally made public in 1968, but one I didn't hear until I was in high school more than 10 years later. I don't understand the words to the song completely, but the feeling of the song is very comforting to me.

Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers—This Los Angeles group wrote a song that 1 used to listen to when I first moved to LA more than 25 years ago. I didn't know anyone here when I first arrived. When I got bored, I used to drive up and down the major streets that cross the city from east to west, listening to this song about the "city of angel" being as "lonely as I am. (Don t worry! I have plenty of friends now.)

The Young Scientists Club was founded in 1999 with a clear and simple goal—to offer young children quality science-related products that will attract them with the wonders of scientific discoveries and increase their interest in science.

    All the products are designed by a team of Harvard graduates, scientists, educators and parents with one purpose in mind to combine fun and interest with quality and learning in each product. Of course, no product is put on the market before it has passed the final test.

    The Young Scientists Club was created to fill a void(空白) of good-quality science products for young children. They believe that children should know the exciting field of science at any early age with fun and bands-on games, activities and experiments.

    All the young scientists in the club are encouraged to continue their scientific adventures by exploring each different topic in more detail by entering online Young Scientists Clubhouse. There the young scientists can not only explore scientific topics and scientific experiments in depth, but can also e-mail Celsius with questions, results and comments. Celsius loves to e-mail all young scientists back.

Those who are at The Young Scientists Club have received many awards for their products. The Young Scientists Club is excited to realize its goal—-to take children around the world and take part in an educational scientific adventure that lasts a lifetime.

Luxury symbols of China, all-inclusive cruise and Mount Fuji adventure

From the architectural riches of China to the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Fuji, discover wonders of the world during this epic adventure, paired with hotel stays in interesting cities and an all-inclusive cruise on board Silver Muse.

Days 1-3 Beijing—Hotel Stay and Tour

Discover China's greatest treasures during a fully accompanied tour, wonder at the weaving Great Wall of China, admire the Temple of Heaven and uncover history in the Forbidden City.

Days 4-5 Xi'an—Hotel Stay and Tour

Travel by fast train to Xi'an, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Here you'll visit the Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological sites in the world.

Day 6 Shanghai—Embark Silver Muse

Today you'll embark Silver Muse for your cruise to Osaka. Settle into your surroundings and choose from a wealth of dining experiences, personalise your suite to the finest detail— including your choice of perfume, toiletries and pillow—and get to know your personal butler who will keep your fridge stocked with your favourite drinks. Cruising with Silversea is simply impressive.

Days 7-9 Osaka—Disembark Silver Muse, Tokyo Hotel Stay and Tour

You'll disembark in Osaka and transfer to the airport for your flight to Tokyo. Japan's capital boasts an incredible combination of both modern and tradition as soaring neon skyscrapers gather next to ancient temples. During your three-night stay you'll embark on a fully accompanied tour of sacred Mount Fuji. Witness its splendid appearance during a ride on the Hakone Ropeway cable car, admire its quietness during a cruise trip across Lake Ashi and experience the speed of the bullet train as it whisks you back to Tokyo.

Days 10 Tokyo—Fly Home

I was cutting up lettuce in the kitchen when I suddenly remembered watching a video about soaking the lettuce stub (莴苣残余部分) in water to grow a whole new vegetable. So I took out a wide-mouthed cup and placed the stub into it, gave it a little water, and placed it by the window. 

On a snowy morning I noticed the first sign. A first small leaf from its heart spread out. A tiny green flag of hope. Beaten, but not defeated. This lettuce was not done living! Within days, it was impossible to see the cuts where I had removed the leaves. The growth was explosive. And when I lifted the blossoming head out of the cup, tiny root threads fell down, seeking for the earth. 

What is growing here? Lettuce or hope? 

If I were a lettuce in a similar condition, I'd want to skeptically assess where I found myself before committing to full growth. Yet for this lettuce, my inadequate offering of water and a place by a window was enough for it to decide to reclaim itself again. It grew in a cup of water, in faith. This is the heart of this lettuce: alive, strong and fearless. It deserved a name. I decided to call it Monty. 

Monty wanted to grow, as we all do. I think I gave him a little love and freedom. Those two were all he needed to return to himself. I see joy in this lettuce. The return to self is always an expression of joy, which is life itself. This is the tendency of all living things. 

Monty still lives in a cup, but I'm going to transplant him outside. He deserves to become his full self. The only problem I see now is my ability to support Monty. I hope I have enough of a green finger. 

I'm surprised to find myself where I am. Maybe Monty is, too. I have the same choice as he does: give in or start again. The prospect of starting again is discouraging. But my lettuce-friend, Monty, leads the way. I can only hope to be as brave.