Raul Valero and Queen Emega cheer up residents from Casaverde nursing homes during their first group outing since the start of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, to the zoo in Madrid, Spain, May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Susana Vera

Pompoms rustle and silver shoes flash as "Japan Pom Pom" practices, moving to a lively cheer dance beat. With members ages 60 to 89, they're no ordinary squad. But don't you dare call them grannies. Originally started with five people 26 years ago after Takino saw an overseas senior cheer squad in the news, the group now has 17 active members. Members, all older than 55, must pass auditions. Now the group is featured in government pamphlets about active seniors, appears periodically in TV reports, and performs in popular charity shows. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Pompoms rustle and silver shoes flash as "Japan Pom Pom" practices, moving to a lively cheer dance beat. With members ages 60 to 89, they're no ordinary squad. But don't you dare call them grannies. Originally started with five people 26 years ago after Takino saw an overseas senior cheer squad in the news, the group now has 17 active members. Members, all older than 55, must pass auditions. Now the group is featured in government pamphlets about active seniors, appears periodically in TV reports, and performs in popular charity shows. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Angelica Lim cheers next to Jennelle Barajas at the end of a May Day March, celebrating international workers day and promoting unity in Portland, Oregon, U.S., May 1, 2021. Lim mentioned ?It is one of my favorite holidays, a holiday for the people.? REUTERS/Alisha Jucevic

People cheer during the "Broadway United for Racial Justice" protest to demand racial justice, accountability, and safe work environments in the theater industry, in Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S., May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

Spectators cheer for their winning horse at Churchill Downs on the day of the 147th Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud

Spectators cheer after Medina Spirit, ridden by John Velazquez wins 147th Kentucky Derby at. Churchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

A spectator in the milliner rows cheers for her wining horse on the day of the 147th Kentucky at Churchill Downs Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud

Spectators in the milliner rows cheer for their wining horse on the day of the 147th Kentucky at Churchill Downs Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud

A spectator in the milliner rows cheers for her wining horse on the day of the 147th Kentucky at Churchill Downs Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Amira Karaoud

Spectators at Churchill Downs cheer during the first race on the day of the running of 147th Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. May 1, 2021. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Crowds cheer as the field of horses round turn one at Churchill Downs during the Kentucky Oaks race, a day before the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. April 30, 2021. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Crowds cheer as jockey John Velazquez, left, ridding Malathaat, wins the 147th Kentucky Oaks, a day before the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky, U.S. April 30, 2021. REUTERS/Bryan Woolston

Soccer Football - Europa League - Semi Final First Leg - Villarreal v Arsenal - Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain - April 29, 2021 Villarreal fans cheer as team bus arrives outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Pablo Morano

Soccer Football - Europa League - Semi Final First Leg - Villarreal v Arsenal - Estadio de la Ceramica, Villarreal, Spain - April 29, 2021 Villarreal fans cheer as team bus arrives outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Pablo Morano

Supporters cheer during a rally for pop star Britney Spears during a conservatorship case hearing at Stanley Mosk Courthouse in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 27, 2021. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks home from the park with her granddaughter Elisa, 4, and daughter-in-law Tomoko, 44, in Tokyo, Japan, April 25, 2021. Picture taken April 25, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you're interested in something, forget about your age, forget about people saying it's no good for that reason... I think that leads to a reason to live." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Civilians cheer as Somali military officers supporting Hawiye opposition leaders drive along the streets of Yaqshid district of Mogadishu, Somalia April 25, 2021 REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, colours in an adult colouring book, on the day Japan declared its third state of emergency, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at her home in Yokohama, Japan, April 23, 2021. Picture taken April 23, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

People cheer and dance to music while celebrating Israel's Independence Day, which marks the 73rd anniversary of the creation of the state, in Times Square in New York City, U.S., April 18, 2021. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, leaves the studio after filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom perform a dance routine as they are filmed for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, laugh after posing for commemorative photos in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom puts on shoes as she prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, poses for a commemorative photo before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "It's dancing; moving your body is nice," Takino said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, look at a video of them performing a dance routine for a filmed online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members prepare to pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world's most rapidly ageing nations, with almost 30% of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. But acceptance of the squad took time in a nation with fixed notions about senior life. "We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like us. They didn't smile even once. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with us and half still can't accept us." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you're interested in something, forget about your age, forget about people saying it's no good for that reason... I think that leads to a reason to live." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom holds a sign bearing the team's name before filming a dance routine for an online performance amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she stretches with other members of Japan Pom Pom during a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren't very happy about being called 'granny cheer dancers,'" said Takino. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other Japan Pom Pom members, perform a dance routine while filming an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world's most rapidly ageing nations, with almost 30% of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. But acceptance of the squad took time in a nation with fixed notions about senior life. "We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like us. They didn't smile even once. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with us and half still can't accept us." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, talks to a member during a break from filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "It's dancing; moving your body is nice," Takino said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, checks her makeup before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren't very happy about being called 'granny cheer dancers,'" said Takino. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom have their temperatures checked before their weekly practice session during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom prepare to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom wears a protective face mask as she cleans the studio floor before a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Supporters of Ecuador's presidential candidate Andres Arauz wave flags and cheer as they await the official results of the presidential election, in Quito, Ecuador April 11, 2021. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks to her team's weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan, April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, sets up a video camera to film the team's dance routine during a weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, rides a subway as she heads to her team's weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan, April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon SEARCH "KYUNG-HOON CHEER" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.

Real Sociedad fans cheer the team bus behind a police cordon following victory of the team in the Copa Del Rey (King's Cup) final against Athletic Bilbao, in Lasarte, Spain, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Vincent West

Real Sociedad fans cheer the team bus behind a police cordon following victory of the team in the Copa Del Rey (King's Cup) final against Athletic Bilbao, in Lasarte, Spain, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Vincent West

A medical worker wearing protective equipment (PPE) decorated with Easter themed drawings gets ready before starting her shift at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Easter themed decorations are seen at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A medical worker wearing an Easter themed headband looks on during her shift at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A medical worker wearing an Easter themed headband talks to a patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the San Filippo Neri hospital in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Protective equipments (PPE) decorated with Easter themed drawings are seen at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

An Easter themed decoration is seen at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A medical worker wearing an Easter themed headband gives Easter eggs to a patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the San Filippo Neri hospital in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

Medical workers wearing protective equipments (PPE) decorated with Easter themed drawings treat a patient at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) holds a box containing Easter eggs at the San Filippo Neri hospital in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A patient suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) holds a box containing Easter eggs at the San Filippo Neri hospital in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A medical worker wearing protective equipment (PPE) decorated with Easter themed drawings adjusts her Easter themed headband before beginning her shift at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane

A medical worker adjusts protective equipments (PPE) decorated with Easter themed drawings at the San Filippo Neri hospital, where patients suffering from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are being treated in Rome, Italy, April 4, 2021. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane