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Seniors enjoy meals at a community canteen in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]

Jiaxing has been recognized as one of China's top 20 cities when it comes to actively addressing population aging, according to a recent report from the National Information Center. The city ranked highly for its policies, wealth reserves, service systems, social environment, and the growth of the silver economy.

In Jiaxing's Qinghua community, a community canteen for seniors has gained popularity since opening in April. Offering meals at just 9 yuan ($1.23) for seniors over 60 and 4 yuan for those over 70, it attracts up to 800 elderly diners daily. This initiative is part of Jiaxing's efforts to enhance senior services, with 89 community canteens and 1,057 dining spots now available citywide.

With over 14 percent of Jiaxing's population aged 65 or older, the city meets the criteria for a severely aging society. Jiaxing has developed an extensive home care service network, featuring 1,198 service centers and leading the province in certified elderly care workers per capita.

Jiaxing has also embraced digital technology in elderly care. The Luoxing Subdistrict Elderly Care Center uses smart badges with GPS and emergency assistance features to ensure the safety of seniors. Advanced digital tools monitor health and provide secure care management.

Jiashan county's "smart elderly care service big data center" supports numerous nursing homes and community centers, earning national recognition for its innovative efforts.