Efforts to improve elderly care in village pay off

Built in the early 1980s, Hemu New Village is a residential community in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province with more than 5,000 people, more than one third of whom are older than 60.

Caring for these eldery residents has become a big issue to not only families but also the local government, which launched a pilot community elder care program in Hemu New Village in 2018.

Under this program, a canteen, an elderly care center, a rehabilitation center and small gardens were built or renovated inside the neighborhood under the management of professional companies, according to Zhou Cheng, Party chief of the community.

"The environment in the community is now much better than before. It's green and spacious, and I love spending time with old fellows here. There is no need to go to other elderly care facilities outside," said resident Wang Zhangrong, 86, who has been living in the Hemu New Village since his retirement.

The community has also started to add elevators to old buildings and is developing a smart elderly care system which will allow social workers to provide door-to-door checks in the event of abnormal usage of water or gas.

"Providing elderly care services better guarantees the accessibility of care for the old people. I think that's a most important part of their human rights," said Zhou.