In recent years, Huimin county in Binzhou city, Shandong province has been ramping up efforts to care for elderly residents and improve old-age assistance services.

Elderly care centers have been established in residential communities to meet the needs of the elderly. The center offers various services from health checkups to housecleaning.

Canteens where older people can enjoy affordable meals in a clean environment have also been built, which provide diversified meal services for the elderly in rural areas.

Elderly residents eat at a canteen in Zaohuli town, Huimin county in Binzhou city, Shandong province on Sept 29. [Photo/IC]

Villagers volunteer to prepare lunch for the elderly at a canteen in Huimin county. [Photo/IC]

Elderly residents are able to enjoy affordable meals in a clean environment at a local canteen. [Photo/IC]

Residents volunteer to prepare lunch for the elderly in Huimin county. Chinese authorities have stressed expanding elderly care services, considering China's aging population and increasing life expectancy. [Photo/IC]

Residents enjoy a meal at a canteen for the elderly in Huimin county. [Photo/IC]

Huimin county has opened more than 120 rural elderly care centers and canteens for the elderly. [Photo/IC]