Chinese elderly offered adult day care option
China has the world’s largest elderly population–currently some 98 million persons aged 65 and older. Here’s how one province is helping its aged citizens:
SHENYANG: Zhang Hongwen, 75, wolfed down his breakfast because hewas in a hurry to meet worthy chess adversaries somewhere in TiexiDistrict of Shenyang.
“I just can’t help coming here, It’s muchmore interesting than staying at home alone and watching TV,” saidZhang, sitting in a newly established day centre for the elderly.
Thecentre was set up by the local government to take care of seniorcitizens left alone at home while their children go out to work.
Thelocal government invested almost 500,000 yuan (US$61,650) inestablishing the 120 square-metre centre, which includes a gymnasium,an entertainment room and a dining hall.
Senior citizens canenjoy the facilities and services for just 1 yuan (US 12 cent) per day,whilst those from poorer families can be exempted from the fee.