Basic nationwide elderly care service system a step closer

The neighborhood authorities have also equipped the homes of 22 seniors — primarily those who live alone — with emergency push buttons and surveillance cameras. Staff will check footage twice a day to facilitate a prompt response to incidents.

Wu welcomed the renovation. "My home has also been renovated to incorporate elderly-friendly features," she said. "Now, I am able to sit down while taking a shower, and there is a handle and an alert device by my side when going to the restroom."

On top of ensuring the safety of the elderly and that their basic needs are being met, Hu said that it is important to improve rehabilitation and medical care services targeting the elderly.

"This year, we are planning to cooperate with a third-party organization to build a neighborhoodlevel rehabilitation and care station," he said.

In Southwest China's Chongqing, elderly-friendly renovations have not only been implemented at homes, but also the public facilities where the elderly tend to gather and hang out.

A courtyard in its Nan'an district has been fitted with slip-resistant tiles, and handles have been added to benches and chairs. New tables for table tennis — a sport favored by many elderly for its relatively low intensity — have also been installed.

The ministry said more efforts will be made this year to mobilize society to invest in and improve elderly care service systems.

On Jan 15, the State Council unveiled a series of measures to promote the "silver economy", calling on the public and private sectors to make investments and innovations in products and services for seniors.

Contact the writer at wangxiaoyu@chinadaily.com.cn