Elderly care has become easier for the poor and ailing senior citizens thanks to the existence of a social assistance and welfare center in Hongyuan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture in Southwest China's Sichuan province.

Completed in September 2008 and put into use in May 2009, the center accepts people aged over 60 who are living in poverty or suffer from Kashin-Beck disease, a painful joint disorder that is specific to mountainous areas.

Currently, 37 elderly people with such difficulties across the county are living at the welfare center and another 43 nursing beds are available.

All aspects of their lives are taken care of at the center. Everyone has a suite with a bedroom and a small living room. Canteen, gym, recreation room and infirmary are also available.