Jiangsu Province had established 61 comprehensive elderly care centers at the community level by the end of August.
One center in the Saihongqiao neighborhood of Nanjing’s Yuhuatai District features zones for various activities, such as calligraphy, singing and dancing.
Local resident Yang Yinglan, 68, said she is very happy with the center, which is only 10 minutes of walk from her home. She often spends the morning there with her husband, participating in activities and having lunch.
This photo taken on May 5, 2023 shows people writing Chinese calligraphy for an exhibition at an elderly care service station in Liangxi District, Wuxi City. (CFP Photo)
Xu Linjun, deputy director of the district’s Civil Affairs Bureau, said the 1,100 sqm center aims to serve more than 10,000 older people in the area by providing 29 professional services, facilitating housekeeping and providing rental and sale services of rehabilitation aids.
A large display screen in the center shows real-time data on health conditions of elderly people as well as gas and fire hazards. In emergencies, an alarm from the residents' home can immediately notify the center, allowing staff to contact their family members, offer remote first aid guidance, or call an ambulance and nearby social workers.
These well-equipped centers demonstrate the province’s proactive approach to addressing an aging population. Jiangsu has increased the supply and quality of products and services for the elderly by encouraging private investment, extending services to rural areas, and upgrading the infrastructure construction to offer inclusive services.
This photo taken on May 11, 2023 shows a health check for elderly people, organized by the local community health center in Gusu District, Suzhou City. (CFP Photo)
“The government ensures basic needs for the vulnerable groups, including those who are in difficulty, advanced in age or living alone, but this is insufficient for a robust elderly care service system,” said Chen Youhua, deputy dean of Nanjing University's School of Social Sciences.
"More government effort is needed to support market-based elderly care services and meet multi-level and personalized needs," Chen added.
