County in Shandong nourishes elderly with specialized meal services

Elderly residents in Linqu county, Weifang, Shandong, eat at a canteen for seniors. [Photo by Ye Sen & Zhou Jie for chinadaily.com.cn]

In Tanma village, located in Linqu county, tourism development has spurred progress. The collective income generated from tourism supports the People's Restaurant, which caters to elderly residents. The restaurant employs professional chefs who offer meals at standard prices for both local seniors and visiting tourists.

"Elderly residents over 75 in the village can enjoy a meal at the People's Restaurant for just 3 yuan ($0.42)," said the head of Tanma village.

The meals prepared at the senior center are nutritionally balanced, incorporating a variety of meat and vegetables in each dish. [Photo by Ye Sen & Zhou Jie for chinadaily.com.cn]

To address challenges faced by elderly residents, the county provides door-to-door services, on-demand delivery, and meal subsidies. Dedicated "delivery persons" ensure timely meal deliveries, eliminating delivery charges for elderly people who may struggle with ordering takeout.

Furthermore, Linqu county is mobilizing various groups, including community members, welfare organizations and volunteer teams, to facilitate meal assistance services for seniors with mobility issues. The establishment of a volunteer points and reward system encourages active participation and fosters a culture of mutual support and assistance. (Edited by He Yuge)