Lanzhou: The popular Chinese slang term "Laoji" is sparking a heart health awareness campaign, challenging the prevailing mindset of "hardship first, comfort later." The Chinese term "laoji," literally meaning "my old self," became a playful yet heartfelt term used by Chinese social media users in late 2025. It's used to refer to oneself as if it were a long-time close friend. This popular term reflected a profound shift among young Chinese people, who were moving away from striving to meet external expectations to prioritizing self-care and emotional fulfillment.
According to Thai News Agency, the practice of young people referring to themselves as "Laoji" is a psychological strategy that makes self-care seem more comforting, and this trend is transforming consumption patterns. Data shows that "buying for pleasure" is now the primary driving force for over 56% of Gen Z consumers, a 16.2 percentage point increase from the previous year.
Ma Lin, a florist in Lanzhou, found that her orders doubled during the New Year holiday. Her best-selling item is a "mini bouquet" designed to be held in one hand for selfies. Ma explains that customers aren't just buying a product; they're buying a memorable moment. This trend clearly reveals how people seek their own success, challenging the traditional upbringing value of "you can't succeed without hardship." For decades, this value has made many young people feel guilty about enjoying happiness or a relaxed life without first experiencing significant difficulties.
Zhang Chong, 32, from Lanzhou, used to consider resting a form of laziness. But recently, he ran 22 kilometers, drawing the numbers "2026" on the route, while wearing new running gear worth 1,800 yuan (approximately 8,100 baht). Zhang said the run wasn't for a medal, but a gift to himself to remind himself of how far he's come.
Psychologists say the popularity of "Laoji" reflects an overall shift toward inner healing. Young people calling themselves "old friends" mitigates the harsh "internal criticism" stemming from a competitive society. Du Jing, a psychotherapist from Shanghai Tongji Hospital affiliated with Tongji University, said that the term "Laoji" (caregiving) transforms the internal dialogue from coldness and judgment to warm and equitable friendship, making self-care a reality. We are not being "selfish," but rather caring for our lifelong companions. She further explained that true self-care doesn't mean filling emotional voids with luxuries, but rather recognizing one's inner strength and setting appropriate boundaries for one's life.