Before 11 a.m. every day, elderly residents from Zhanqian Subdistrict in Zhenxing District of Dandong City, Liaoning Province, step into a senior canteen called Xinxinglong Self-Service Fast Food Restaurant. They leisurely choose from various nutritious dishes such as crispy stir-fried pork, scrambled egg with tomato, and Di San Xian (stir-fried eggplant, potato, and pepper), enjoying a diverse combination of meat and vegetable options.

In 2023, the Zhenxing District Committee of the CPC, and the Zhenxing District Government, actively explored new models for elderly care services. They adopted an approach of “government-led construction plus enterprise-led operation and management”, as well as “relying on catering businesses with the abilities and qualifications for dining services”. They have provided a preferential dining service for the elderly based on different age groups, making solid strides in the construction of senior canteens and unlocking the taste of happiness. So far, eight senior canteens have officially opened, completely covering the main urban areas of the whole district.

It is estimated that nearly a thousand elderly people have dined there since the operation of senior canteens in Zhenxing District. 5,705 elderly people have registered on the platform and the cumulative number of meals served at these canteens has exceeded 11,000. The senior canteens have initially achieved the goal of providing nearby and convenient dining services for senior citizens in the district and planned to explore personalized services such as the meal delivery for neighboring elderly residents.

The kitchen staff prepare a variety of dishes with diverse styles at the senior canteen at Lechen Home and Community Elderly Care Service Center in Qidao Subdistrict, Yuanbao District, Dandong City. There are also multiple choices for staple food, allowing the elderly to select. In addition to the 10-yuan set meal, they can also individually order dishes at a preferential price. The senior canteen in Yuanbao District adopts a model with “government support, social participation, market-oriented operation, and professional management.” It takes advantage of various resources, creating a “nursing home” without walls and a “life circle” with convenient services, which enables more community elders to address their “meal problems” on the spot, relieving the worries of their children.