An online information service platform for the city's elderly was launched on April 6 in the eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province in a bid to create social support and a living environment conducive to senior citizens' health needs.

According to an estimate of the Qingdao government, Qingdao has about 1.68 million people aged 60 and over, accounting for 21.3 percent of the city’s overall population; over 80 year-olds make up 15.5 percent of the total.

The project, led by the Qingdao municipal bureau of civil affairs, aims to improve health services for the elderly, extend people's life expectancy, and promote the integration of eldercare and advanced internet technology.

The platform is constantly improving since its trial run in December 2016.

It has four versions targeting different services:

The version for the general public focuses on the daily lives of city's senior citizens and their relatives. Its main functions include the latest news postings, information retrieval, service reservations and online payments. Supported by multiple channels such as a service hotline, an official website and a Wechat account, it provides one-stop solutions for the aged.

The version for civil affairs departments helps to create a comprehensive regulatory structure. It also provides data support for related government decisions.

The version for nursing homes, institutions and organizations helps to enhance the planning and management of seniors' services, professional training and related subsidies.

The career version helps users find employment.

(From: China Daily)