Linyi's warm canteens improve care for elderly

In recent years, Lanling county in Linyi city – in East China's Shandong province – has spent over 4 million yuan ($550,016) in establishing 24 so-called warm charity canteens for the elderly poor, leading a new path to rural mutual assistance and elderly care.

The canteens have preferential dining policies tailored to the age, type and economic situation of the elderly – enabling seniors to have healthy meals without spending money or very little money.

More than 300 disadvantaged people in the county have benefited from the warm canteens, such as Party members aged 65 and above and elderly people living alone.

For some senior citizens who are physically weak and are far away, delicious meals are delivered to their homes.

"I joined the volunteer service team in the county's Dongnanwei village in March, mainly to deliver meals to elderly people in need. Seeing the elderly eat hot meals really makes me feel happy," said volunteer Cui Dagang.

Moreover, Lanling county has encouraged these canteens to establish multi-functional leisure and entertainment areas to extend services. Now the old folks can watch Red movies, play chess and read books there.

"Looking ahead, we will move to enhance hardware facilities, internal management, the provision of services and social evaluation, among others, to improve the happiness and sense of achievement of the elderly," said Li Xianpeng, a county official. (Edited by Chen Chuxuan)