An elderly resident receives rehabilitation training at a community elderly care facility in Shinan. [Photo/WeChat account: qdweishinan]

Shinan district in Qingdao is making elderly care more accessible by building a 15-minute service circle that brings meals, healthcare, recreation and community support closer to senior residents.

Home to more than 175,000 residents aged 60 and above, Shinan has established 46 home-based elderly care facilities, forming a community-centered network that offers assisted dining, rehabilitation, cultural activities and daily support near residents' homes.

In Xinjiazhuang community, Zhuhai Road subdistrict, nearly 90 percent of the community service center is dedicated to public services, including a canteen, rehabilitation area, reading room and leisure space. Across the district, community canteens operate through a "public welfare plus market" model, with meal subsidies extended to residents aged 65 and above. The service has benefited seniors more than 700,000 times, with home delivery available for those with mobility difficulties.

Healthcare services have also been strengthened. Shinan has formed 141 family doctor teams, serving more than 100,000 contracted seniors aged 65 and above, while eight subdistrict-level elderly care centers provide long-term care insurance services, rehabilitation and nursing support.

The district is also bringing senior university courses into communities and encouraging elderly volunteers to join neighborhood services. In 2026, Shinan will continue to upgrade embedded elderly care, rehabilitation and cognitive care services, creating a safer, warmer and more fulfilling environment for seniors.