Shaxian county, whcih gains its reputation for "Shaxian delicicies",has also explored multiple ways to establish a comprehensive social care system to support its large number of "left behind" elderly residents.

The county is home to 43,000 people aged over 60, and 4,700 of them are living alone since their children have left the region to run eateries in cities across China.

However, thanks to the local government's efforts over the last five years, the majority of these senior residents are now able to access in-home care services or a nursing home near their communities.

In the port city of Xiamen, an intelligent emergency alarm system has been launched in several communities, which allows elderly residents to call for emergency assistance from community medics simply by pressing a button.

"In response to the fast-aging society, there is still much to do and in the coming years the government shall put more effort into promoting overall progress in elderly care and services," said Chi Qiuna, director of Fujian Provincial Department of Civil Affairs.

Medics offer free health examinations for the elderly in a nursing home in Shaxian county in South China'Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Two elderly chat with each other delightedly at a nursing home in Fuzhou, provincial capital of Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]