The Lexiang Senior Canteen, a facility built under the "medical-food integration" model that resulted from joint development between Shishan sub-district of Xiangzhou district and Zhuhai People's Hospital, kicked off its trial meal service in Zhuhai, Guangdong province on Aug 21, with 30 local elderly residents participating in the on-site experience.

The canteen is established to provide healthy meals at affordable prices to older folks who might not be getting enough nutrition at home. It offers 16 dishes that provide balanced nutritional value, tailored to elderly dietary habits, with prices starting at 16 yuan ($2.38) per meal.

Seniors sit together, enjoying their lunch. [Photo/WeChat account: zhxiangzhou]

Under Zhuhai's official senior canteen subsidy policy, residents aged 60 and above are eligible for meal subsidies ranging from 3 to 16 yuan per day based on their household registration status. Local authorities will collect feedback from diners to optimize menus and operational details.

In addition, the sub-district rolled out a community senior-friendly service program, providing exclusive discounts on catering, housekeeping and medical services through 34 cooperative merchants.

Xiangzhou district will continue refining senior meal services to improve home-based elderly care and enhance the well-being of the aging population.