As Lu Zhiyuan, the Chinese mainland’s Minister of Civil Affairs, revealed at a recent press conference, under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), the Chinese mainland has rolled out a raft of welfare upgrades for both children and seniors. 🚀
On the kids’ side, the Chinese mainland now has a full-blown protection system covering de facto unattended children (think kids whose parents are missing, seriously ill, or in rehab), left-behind children of migrant workers, and all migrant children. Everyone’s included under care services. ❤️
Money matters: compared to 2020, basic living allowances jumped 26% for orphans in institutions, 32% for orphans living with families, and 31% for de facto unattended kids. These allowances help cover essentials like food, clothing and school supplies. 💸
Senior life got a makeover too. Around 2.24 million households with seniors facing special challenges saw home upgrades—think grab bars, ramps and other elder-friendly tweaks that make daily life safer. 🏠
The Chinese mainland also built 500 community-based eldercare service networks, launched 2,990 model elderly-friendly communities, and opened 86,000 community canteens serving warm meals to seniors. 🍲
On top of that, subsidies and allowances for very old citizens, those in financial hardship, and seniors with disabilities reached over 49.4 million people—roughly the population of a small country! 🌏
This shows how targeted policies and community support can transform lives. Could our own neighbourhoods adopt similar ideas—like India’s aanganwadi centres or community elders’ clubs in Thailand? Drop your thoughts below! 👇
Reference(s):
China reports major improvements in welfare for children and elderly
cgtn.com
