"The cost is affordable. We can pay for it with our pension."

Su gets about 6,000 yuan per month as a retired civil servant.

Her husband, Xu Youzhong, is diabetic and has high blood pressure. Nurses take blood tests before and after every meal.

Dieticians design nutrition regiments based on his results.

"I'm very happy eating and drinking according to the dieticians' plans," Xu said.

"Since I came here, my blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar have all been normal."

Residents can cook at home or dine in the restaurant or cafeteria.

Ji Liuyi, manager of U100, explains some have chronic diseases and require living assistance.

"Many others have children overseas or their kids have their own families. They come here so they're not lonely. People need friends."

That's part of the reason the retirement home employs an entertainment secretary, who produces a special schedule of activities.

But in Zhangjiagang, U100 is only part of what's making grandma's later years golden.

Social investments for farmers pay for such public facilities as the Old Companion Healthy Living Experience Home. It's where Jinfeng town's elderly can pump iron, kill it at Fruit Ninja or croon karaoke — for free.