Sanmenxia experiments with new elderly care system

The "12349" partner barbershops provide haircut services for free in Sanmenxia, Henan province. [Photo/ismx.cn] 

Sanmenxia, Henan province has been experimenting with a new type of elderly care system which actually encourages the elderly to help themselves.

The "12349" intelligent nursing service platform, which takes the public service hotline number as its namesake, was established in 2016 in Sanmenxia. It gives elderly the opportunity to accumulate points by participating in community service activities. These points can then be exchanged for a variety of free goods and services.

"The idea is to encourage elderly people to help themselves as well as each other. This will hopefully lead to a more friendly, close-knit community and create a more sustainable public service industry where all involved can enjoy substantial benefits", said Xia Xuefeng, manager of the 12349 service platform.

Zhang, a resident of the Huangbei community who retired two years ago, said she often visits her elderly neighbors and helps them in any way she can. She recently redeemed her points for a free haircut.

A college for the elderly was recently opened using a similar system. The elderly receive scores in four categories of classes, including quyi (a Chinese folk-art form that combines ballad singing, storytelling, comic dialogues and Chinese cross talk), calligraphy and painting, chess and cards, and sports. Teachers can similarly earn points by providing free lessons.

Elderly residents enjoy medical service at a reduced cost from cooperating hospitals in Sanmenxia. [Photo/ismx.cn] 

The 12349 service platform has partnered with a variety of businesses, including travel agencies, barbershops and dental hospitals, which will now offer goods and services in exchange for points. The points can also be used as partial payment in hospitals and home-based care service centers.

Ma Qinghua, a 49-year-old swimming coach, offers free swimming classes to the elderly. "It gives me a sense of fulfillment to help them develop their skills and hobbies", Ma said.

There are 350,000 people aged 60 or above in Sanmenxia. The city spent three years developing its new social service system, with the goal of improving the lives of all senior citizens living in the city. By 2020, the city hopes to have service facilities in all its urban communities.

Staff members deliver fresh vegetables to an elderly women's house at the Huangbei community. [Photo by Wang Dandan/ismx.cn]