Zhanjiang's first professional and independent service center for senior residents is expected to open its doors by the end of June, Zhanjiang Daily reported.

At present, 85 percent of the overall project, including a 7-story central building, has been completed. The program will be of great benefit to the livelihood of the elderly in Zhanjiang, providing a modern center which will integrate senior care, medical treatment, rehabilitation and entertainment and provide 700 beds.

A bird's eye view of the Zhanjiang Elderly Care Service Center, April 22 [Photo / Zhanjiang Daily]

Providing a socialized senior care environment for an aging population is an issue that needs increasing attention from the Zhanjiang government, according to Jin Xuejun, a deputy of Zhanjiang Municipal People's Congress.

Statistics show that around 1.07 million out of the total 8 million residents in Zhanjiang are aged 60 or above, which is more than 12 percent. Societies where only 10 percent of the population are 60 or over are considered "aging societies" by the UN.

Jin said that the city has about 10,000 nursing home beds at present, which means there's only one for every 100 senior citizens. The national average number in 2015 was 2.4 beds for every 100 elderly people. "The senior care undertaking will grow into a significant industry for the city's economic and social development, if the infrastructure can catch up with demands in time," he added.

File photo shows senior residents in Zhanjiang taking part in a public service activity. [Photo / Zhanjiang Daily]

Edited by Owen Fishwick