City’s Innovative Programs Serve Millions, Enhance Elderly Quality of Life

QINGDAO, China — As China’s population ages, preparing and accessing meals has become a growing challenge for seniors. Qingdao, a leader in senior-friendly initiatives, is tackling this issue with innovative meal services tailored to elderly residents, especially those living alone or with limited mobility. The city now runs nearly 1,300 senior cafeterias, serving 16 million meals and generating 137 million yuan or approximately 19 million US dollars in orders, significantly improving seniors’ daily lives.
15-Minute Meal Access for Seniors
Qingdao’s “15-minute” service model ensures seniors can walk to a community cafeteria in minutes. Urban residents aged 65 and older receive a daily meal subsidy of 4 to 6 yuan, while rural seniors over 70 get a 40% discount plus the same subsidy. At Xizhong Garden’s cafeteria, seniors can enjoy 15 nutritious dishes - all low in salt and easy to chew. Options include stir-fried tomatoes with eggs for just 4 yuan, chrysanthemum greens with tofu for 3 yuan, and a tender meatball for 6 yuan. Daily menus are shared via WeChat, allowing seniors to pre-order lunch effortlessly.
Home Delivery for Vulnerable Seniors
For seniors with mobility issues, Qingdao provides home delivery. Relatives can use the UnionPay app’s proxy ordering service to purchase meals online, with subsidies for both food and delivery. Local cafeterias collaborate with delivery platforms, logistics firms, charities, and volunteers to reach seniors’ homes. In Kangcheng Community, delivery riders assist with lunch drop-offs, earning 100 free meal vouchers. The cafeteria also serves as a rest stop for riders, offering charging stations and seating.
Smart Tech Enhances Dining
Qingdao leverages technology to simplify meal services. Tonghe Road’s cafeteria features six smart weighing scales, letting seniors select portions, pay precisely, and reduce wait times while cutting labor costs. At Fushan Senior Apartment, robotic chefs use nutritionist-designed recipes to deliver consistent, healthy dishes with exact seasoning, ensuring that seniors eat well.
All of the above efforts reflect Qingdao’s commitment to supporting its aging population, making warm, affordable meals accessible to all seniors, right at their doorstep.

(Edited and Translated by Jing Wu, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, and Jimo Zhang, Shandong Vocational and Technical University of International Studies)