By tf-lawyer.com On September 19, a reporter from China News Service visited Ulanqab, where the Qianshan Street Elderly Service Center is making remarkable progress in providing neighborhood elderly care. During the recent Mid-Autumn Festival, special meals were prepared for seniors, featuring a delicious assortment of dishes such as meat, fruits, mooncakes, dumplings, stewed beef, and stir-fried vegetables.
“I chose this place for my retirement because the food is excellent, there’s a hospital nearby, and the costs are reasonable. Plus, since it’s government-managed, I feel secure here,” shared 83-year-old Fang Duan, reflecting on her choice to settle at the center.
Situated in central Inner Mongolia, the Jining District has a rich history as a military stronghold and serves as a significant commercial center in northern China.
Fang Duan lost her partner over ten years ago, and the idea of spending her later years at an elderly care center appealed to her, especially because of the ample meal options available. “What brought me here was the elderly-friendly dining service,” she noted.
Inside the center’s dining room, dozens of tables are set up, and chefs bustle in a spotless kitchen preparing fresh, diverse meals. The enticing aroma wafts through the air as lunch draws near, with patrons enjoying a variety of dishes.
“Every day, we have fish, meat, vegetables, and soup for only 12 yuan per meal. I couldn’t possibly cook this variety at home, and I definitely can’t find prices like this anywhere else,” commented 70-year-old Yan Ximing.
Interestingly, the dining area also includes younger patrons. Zhang Jun, deputy director of the Jining District Civil Affairs Bureau, explained that while the restaurant’s primary focus is seniors, it also seeks to sustain itself by serving the wider community. “We offer meals not only to seniors but also to local residents and workers, as well as nutritional meals for patients,” said Shang Yong, the restaurant manager.
The dining experience is further enhanced by community services at the Qiaoxi Street Comprehensive Elderly Service Center, where meals are priced at 9.9 yuan, earning praise from nearby seniors. The kitchen is attentive to the dietary needs of the elderly, offering health-conscious options with less oil and salt.
“Senior meals must be of high quality, from sourcing to preparation, ensuring both safety and sensory appeal,” emphasized Li Chunlin, the restaurant manager. He believes that delivering meals to seniors is more about compassion than profit.
In recent years, Jining District has worked to expand meal services for elderly residents, enhancing the overall dining experience. “A warm meal is not just about food; it brings happiness and warmth to their hearts,” Zhang Jun remarked.
Currently, Jining has 12 senior-friendly restaurants established in various communities, all developed through government guidance with the involvement of social entities, which not only provide a comfortable dining atmosphere but also offer convenience and care for seniors. Zhang Jun pointed out the importance of thorough research to understand the needs of the elderly population.
“What’s critical is knowing how many seniors reside in the area, their meal preferences, where to set up restaurants, who will run them, and how to ensure comprehensive coverage,” he explained.
To continually meet the health and wellness needs of the elderly, Jining is exploring integrated medical and care services. A well-coordinated system that combines home care, community resources, and medical support is gradually taking shape to enhance service quality.
At the outpatient community day-care center on Xinti Road, new therapy equipment is being utilized as a few seniors participate in therapy sessions while chatting amicably. “I have a chronic condition and require therapy often. It used to be a hassle to go to the hospital, but now, thanks to the community center, it’s much more manageable,” said 70-year-old Zhang Yuewei, who has noticed improvements in her arthritis.
The local Chinese medicine clinic in the Zhangaiying community is another popular destination where residents often come to check their blood pressure and blood sugar after engaging in social activities.
Zhang Jun underscored that ensuring personalized care for the elderly requires collaboration, highlighting the necessity of government leadership in foundational services while encouraging private investment to deliver quality and differentiated care.
“Participation from all sectors is essential. By integrating multiple strategies, we can transform our approach from simply providing for seniors to enriching their lives, ensuring they have what they need, feel cared for, and find joy in their later years,” Zhang Jun concluded.
