Sustainable development

By using a tiered meal subsidy program, county, town and village-level authorities can cover at least 80 percent of meal costs.

The subsidy program represents more than just welfare; it's part of a carefully engineered ecosystem where each village's unique economic activities directly support its aging population.

The sustainability of this approach lies in Yiyuan's "one village, one industry" strategy.

"We've moved beyond simple subsidies to create systems where each community develops its own economic engine to support elderly services," said Zheng Jian, deputy Party secretary of Yiyuan.

This philosophy has produced remarkable adaptations across the county's varied terrain, he added.

In the mountainous Shuimetouhenan village, where poor soil once thwarted traditional farming, this challenge has been turned into an opportunity.

"Using poverty alleviation funds and loans, in 2016 we invested millions to become early adopters of photovoltaic energy," said Cui Xueliang, Party secretary of Shuimetouhenan.

By organizing some barren land, Cui introduced three enterprises to build production facilities in the village. These enterprises produce several agricultural goods, including dried vegetables and fruit-based products.

Today, solar panels on hillsides and rooftops generate some 520,000 yuan in income annually for the village, creating a stable funding source for elderly care services.

In Dongan village, fragmented small plots have been consolidated into a thriving 13 hectares of modern grape vineyards.

"Previously, our elders struggled to farm these scattered plots with low yields," said Geng Wei, the village Party secretary.

"Now the vineyards not only solve their farming difficulties but contribute 120,000 yuan yearly to our collective funds," he said.

Perhaps most remarkably, Yiyuan county's elderly aren't just beneficiaries but active participants in this transformation. In Yihenan village, when initial resistance threatened a kiwi fruit plantation, elderly residents like Zhang Xiangmei and Liu Wenmei became its strongest advocates.

"These projects ultimately support our care and we should back him (the village Party secretary)," they persuaded their children and neighbors.

Their endorsement helped Xu Hongliang, the village Party secretary, convince residents to pool land-use rights, leading to a successful 13-hectare plantation that promises further expansion.

Zhang Xiangmei and Liu Wenmei share a 25-square-meter living room at the village's livelihood complex. Every day, they eat at the village's canteen and chat with their fellow villagers.

"Living together with other seniors they know, the elderly can help each other and have a small chat every day, which keeps them in a good mood," said Xu.

A total of 1,308 industry projects have been implemented county-wide, and all 446 villages have achieved annual incomes exceeding 100,000 yuan, with half of the villages surpassing 200,000 yuan. The economic foundation ensures the steady operation of elderly care services.

Behind this model stands the village Party secretaries.

"Village Party secretaries are the 'CEOs' of rural vitalization, who master both governance and entrepreneurship," said county Party secretary Zhang.

"We must train them to be dedicated, capable and responsible leaders," he said.

This year, the county has trained 1,220 rural "CEOs", including both village Party secretaries and farming experts who have consolidated 400 hectares of farmland, and launched 45 agricultural projects, generating 3 million yuan in total collective income.

Zhang attributes their success to "people-centered governance and the integration of human rights protection into every policy".

"It's not just about building the facilities or handing out money. The mechanism has to take root and thrive," he said.

Zheng Lihui contributed to this story.

zhaoruixue@chinadaily.com.cn