President Xi Jinping made a surprise visit to a senior care facility in Beijing today, spotlighting China's ongoing efforts to improve elderly welfare services. During the inspection, he toured a community canteen and residential complex, engaging with both staff and residents to assess living conditions and support systems.
"We must ensure our elders enjoy their golden years with dignity," Xi emphasized while discussing upgraded meal programs and accessible healthcare initiatives. The visit comes as China's population ages rapidly, with over 300 million citizens projected to be over 60 by 2035 according to recent demographic reports.
Local officials demonstrated new smart-care technologies being implemented this year, including health-monitoring wearables and AI-assisted emergency response systems. One 78-year-old resident told Xi: "These services let me live independently while staying connected to my community."
The inspection aligns with broader 2026 social policy goals focusing on urban livability and intergenerational support networks. As Lunar New Year approaches, Xi also distributed holiday gifts to residents, creating viral moments on Chinese social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin.
