Canteens cater to elderly villagers' needs

Nanbeiguan is one example of how Gansu is expanding community-based elderly care in rural areas.

Across the province, 900 village-level mutual-aid centers are now in operation, with another 300 under construction, according to the provincial civil affairs department. Many centers repurpose vacant village buildings and draw on local resources and community support. Their services and operating arrangements vary according to local needs.

In Yuangudui village, Dingxi, a community canteen serves home-style meals to elderly residents while also catering to visitors and student groups, linking elderly care with rural tourism.

To balance its public-service role with long-term financial sustainability, the canteen operates under a model in which the township government oversees management while a third-party operator handles daily operations. It aims to serve broader community needs through meal provision, convenience services and support for local tourism.

In Longxi county, Dingxi, a "senior care farmland" model offers another approach to sustaining village canteens. With participation voluntary and elderly villagers' land-use rights protected, village collectives manage their contracted farmland, growing local crops such as vegetables and oilseed crops.

The produce is supplied directly to canteens, reducing food procurement costs. Part of the income generated from farming goes into a village-level fund for elderly care, helping cover meal services and daily care, while the remainder supports other community initiatives.

According to the provincial civil affairs department, Gansu plans to expand village-level services beyond meals to include safety monitoring, follow-up care for chronic conditions and companionship, while strengthening links with township care facilities and local health institutions.

By combining paid services with public support for those in need, the province hopes to build a more integrated and financially sustainable rural elderly care network.

Wu Yuexuan contributed to this story.

Contact the writers at huyumeng@chinadaily.com.cn