Chongqing - For the elderly, home is a vital part of their lives. Efforts have been made in southwest China's Chongqing municipality to improve conditions for seniors to live independently.  

Senior residents played chess in Yishou Garden. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Helpful gadgets for seniors

With some great gadgets in their homes, the Chongqing High-tech Zone has helped its older residents remain independent, from handrails beside the bed and chairs in the bathroom to small night bulbs.

Zhang Yonglan has fallen down the stairs twice before due to surgery complications in the early years. Despite being at home, she had to take it slow, step by step. "I now have handrail rows in my room, which makes it easier to move around," she said.

"Some people think that home renovation for the elderly is a complicated process, but little modifications, such as handrails and anti-slip mats, can have a big impact," said a representative from the Chongqing High-Tech Zone Public Service Bureau. 

This year, Chongqing High-tech Zone plans to renovate 224 homes for the elderly. In Chongqing, the renovation project is being implemented widely.

In Bishan District, Cai Dinghua, an 84-year-old semi-disabled man, benefited from Bishan Civil Affairs Bureau's personalized service. 

Before the renovation, the staff informed him about the policy and discussed the details with the assessment team to ensure the renovation plan was the most suitable.

Regarding the renovation, Cai Dinghua paid particular attention to modifying his bathroom. "I feel dizzy after squatting for a long time, and I almost fell several times while standing up. At this age, it's challenging to do anything, especially go to the bathroom." Now, Cai's house has a toilet with handrails and a seat. As the government subsidizes each home with 3,000 yuan, he didn't pay anything. 

The old man said happily, "I need this, and it's convenient. It doesn't take up any space."

Social workers asked for residents' advice on the installation of an elevator. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

Go downstairs safely

Since most elderly people live in houses without elevators, taking the stairs is a major challenge. Mobile stair climbers and elevators installed in old communities improved accessibility for the elderly.

More than  50 elevators have been installed in the renovation of Tianhu Garden, a 20-year-old community with 70% seniors.

"I've lived here for 20 years. I could climb to the seventh floor when I was in my forties and fifties. I'm almost 70 and can only walk up and down the stairs. Now that the elevator has been installed, grocery shopping and dropping around have been much easier," said one old resident.

Since 2018, 3,842 communities have started renovations, and 3,878 elevators have been installed in the city. A total of 1,406 elevators are expected to be installed in Chongqing this year, and 446 have already been completed.

Granny Zhu, 81, of Yuzhong District, can now go outside more often because of a stair climber. After fastening the seat belt, the wheels started to turn along the track; Granny Zhu went downstairs smoothly. The machine is easy to use, foldable, and lightweight. The staff can help the elderly move up and down the stairs by pressing the button and adjusting the handle.

There are stair climbers on every street. 11 streets in the Yuzhong District have been equipped with mobility aid facilities since the second half of 2020. The elderly and disabled residents of tall buildings in old communities can borrow anytime. The machines are expected to improve the quality of life for older and disabled residents.

A broader world for the elderly

The elderly-friendly renovations not only took place in houses and residential buildings but also in neighborhoods and even in public places in rural areas.

Early in the morning, on Shuanglonghu Street, Yubei District, Grandpa Li, a 75-year-old resident, leaned against the newly installed railing to climb the stairs. 

His hobby is playing chess in the Yishou Garden across the street. "For me, it's a long road. If you don't want to take the stairs, go further down the slope to Yishou Pavilion," Li said. The handrails helped him climb the stairs much faster so that his children could let him go alone without worrying about him.

On the marginal land of the city, three theme parks for the elderly are built, namely Yishou Garden, Kangyi Garden, and Yile Garden. All three are covered with anti-slip plastic and have handrails that extend into residential buildings. In addition, the slopes became gentler, and pavilions and benches were everywhere. There are several rows of shelves in the park for elderly people to hang umbrellas, groceries, and clothes; holes in the benches for cups, charging sockets on one side, and water dispensers in the shade.

"Elderly-friendly renovation is a basic livelihood project. We design every detail from the perspective of the elderly, hoping to help them participate in social activities more frequently and improve their quality of life," said Yang Kunming, Secretary of the Party Working Committee of Shuanglonghu Street.

(Tan, Sirui, as an intern, also contributed to the report.)