Tianjin to open more aged care facilities

The government in Tianjin pledged on Saturday to set up 80 nursing centers in 2013 to provide daytime care for senior residents.

The promise was made at the opening ceremony of the Tianjin People's Congress.

Huang Xingguo, mayor of the municipality, said the government will invest in another 5,000 beds to meet the rising demand of seniors. The extra beds will mean there will be 42,000 beds for seniors in nursing homes in Tianjin and ninety percent of elderly people will be able to access a home-delivered meal service offered by communities.

The boost in bed numbers is part of the efforts of the Tianjin government to improve living standards. Huang said the government will also increase recreational facilities and promote equal access to education.

More recreational facilities will be built to enrich people's leisure time activities, such as e-reading rooms, book bars, staff libraries and suburban cinemas.

Residents will also be able to watch more dramas and listen to lectures about music appreciation.

Kindergartens will be expanded to admit more children for preschool education. Kindergarten teachers will also receive training to improve their teaching techniques.