Community support enhances dining for elderly residents in Shandong

Four elderly villagers are seen dining at the canteen in Xingshan village, Geshi town, Ningyang county, Shandong province. [Photo by Zhao Xiaoyu/for chinadaily.com.cn]

Elderly villagers were recently seen dining at a "happiness canteen" in Xingshan village, Geshi town, Ningyang county, Shandong province.

The canteen offers a balanced mix of meat and vegetables that not only look and smell great, but also taste good.

"I live alone, and with my legs not being in great shape, it's hard for me to buy groceries and cook. Now, I just come to the canteen. Dining with old friends is lively and fun, the food is tasty and affordable, and I feel very happy," said Ning Tingfeng, an elderly resident.

The village set up the canteen to address the dining difficulties faced by the elderly, especially those who are very old or who live alone.

The canteen has various discounts based on age: seniors over 70 years old pay 2 yuan ($0.28) per meal, those over 80 years old pay 1 yuan per meal, and disabled seniors or seniors with "five guarantees" (covering food, clothing, medical care, housing, and burial expenses) can eat for free. This initiative aims to ensure that more elderly people have ample access to food and care and can live happy lives. (Edited by Yang Yi)