Your current location:HOME >health >Meal services for elderly to expand nationwide 正文
TIME:2024-05-22 10:01:36 Source: Internet compilationEdit:health
A cafeteria for elderly people operates in the Huayuan community of Guangzhou's Yuexiu district in G
A cafeteria for elderly people operates in the Huayuan community of Guangzhou's Yuexiu district in Guangdong province. More such facilities are planned. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Government plans to provide nutritious, affordable food for aging population
China plans to offer nutritious, affordable and accessible welfare meals for seniors to support elderly care at home and improve their well-being, officials said.
"Meal assistance services have become common needs for the elderly," Tang Chengpei, vice-minister of civil affairs, said at a news conference on Wednesday in Beijing.
Tang said that the number of seniors of advanced ages, or those without family around, has continued to increase.
As of last year, China had more than 280 million people over the age of 60. Some are unable or reluctant to cook three meals a day for themselves. Assisting them with nutritious and accessible food is an issue the government aims to tackle.
Some pilot programs involve the opening of community canteens for the elderly that offer affordable and nutritious meals at home.
An action plan to promote the development of meal services for the elderly was released recently to expand such services nationwide in a convenient and sustainable way, Tang said.
The plan was released by several departments including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Finance.
It advocates the development of inclusiveness and diversity, including the principles of government coordination and basic guarantees, tailored and targeted regional measures, and proactive use of market mechanisms.
Efforts will be made to actively build a comprehensive and reasonable elderly meal service network that covers urban and rural areas, Tang said.
Enterprises and government-affiliated organizations are encouraged to participate in offering the service, and meal delivery services are also encouraged.
"It is not a free meal, but an affordable and accessible service," Tang said, adding that regional governments are encouraged to offer subsidies.
Preferential policies will be offered to service providers to ensure profitability, such as tax deductions and offering free facilities, so that the service can be sustainable.
"A total of 18 provincial-level regions already run meal services programs for elderly people. Now we are expanding the network nationwide in a sustainable way," said Yu Jianliang, director of the department of elderly services of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
"The services can be flexible. There are many good examples in various places, with some using elderly facilities to offer the service, some setting up elderly meals at restaurants, and some opening canteens," Yu said, adding that the next step is to offer guidance to integrate resources and explore innovative ways to offer the service.
State Supreme Court and Republican congressional primary elections top Georgia ballots2024-05-22 09:52
Noted writer Chi Pang2024-05-22 09:42
Ancient rock carvings wear 'digital smart armor' in SW China2024-05-22 09:02
Future of popular MTV show hangs in the balance after production pauses after five seasons2024-05-22 09:00
Garcia, Winker go deep as Nats end slide, beat struggling Twins 122024-05-22 09:00
Chinese athletes preparing for 2026 Winter Olympics2024-05-22 08:47
Nations rolling out red carpet for Chinese tourists2024-05-22 08:11
Paris Olympics flame to be lit with elan at Greek cradle of ancient games2024-05-22 08:03
Election deniers moving closer to GOP mainstream as Trump allies fill Congress, report shows2024-05-22 07:56
Judge orders psych evaluation for Illinois man charged in 4 killings2024-05-22 07:18
ESPN reaches 42024-05-22 09:37
Voters to decide primary runoffs in Alabama's new 2nd Congressional District2024-05-22 09:22
A boat capsizes in Indian2024-05-22 09:21
Ancient rock carvings wear 'digital smart armor' in SW China2024-05-22 09:06
No more cute snaps of Mt Fuji. A screen is up in a Japanese town to prevent tourist crowds2024-05-22 08:52
CMG to host major art exhibition in Paris featuring over 200 works2024-05-22 08:47
Chengdu, a rising megacity based on sound governance2024-05-22 08:33
Teixeira brace sees Shanghai go top in CSL2024-05-22 08:03
Election deniers moving closer to GOP mainstream as Trump allies fill Congress, report shows2024-05-22 07:46
Indiana limits abortion data for privacy under near2024-05-22 07:28