Hefei:As China faces an aging population, efforts are being made to enhance community-based care services, particularly in Xinyuan community in Hefei, the capital of eastern Anhui Province. Wang Libing, a 74-year-old resident, opted to stay at a community care center during a recent holiday due to a leg ailment, allowing him to socialize and receive care rather than staying home alone.

According to NAMPA, the Xinyuan community care center offers short-term stays for elderly residents, with each eligible individual entitled to 15 days of free care per quarter. Unused days can be accumulated for stays of up to two months. The community, which houses approximately 26,000 permanent residents, has a significant elderly population, with 30 percent aged 60 and over.

Community service centers in Hefei provide varied activities and health services for seniors. These include free classes from seniors' universities, basic health checks, and community canteens offering tailored meals. The Xinyuan center, with two floors dedicated to elderly care, also provides 27 courses ranging from dance to choir, aiming to ensure that the elderly are well-cared for and have access to essential services.

In addition to care facilities, communities in Hefei are implementing simple safety checks for seniors living alone, such as using balcony lights as signals. Volunteer programs, pairing younger seniors with older residents, further support these efforts by assisting with daily chores.

Similar programs are being developed in other parts of China to address local needs. In Ningbo and Xi'an, services include medical assistance and volunteer teaching. Researchers are also studying ways to enhance safety in residential areas for older adults, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable, community-based elderly care solutions.