Chiayi County Transforms Vacant Old Houses into Elder Care Center

The Nanjing community development association in Shuishang, Chiayi County, Taiwan renovated three long‑unused houses. The third building was inaugurated as the elderly dining hall “作伙吃有厝味”, creating a shared‑meal venue for seniors and a hub for community interaction. County Mayor Ong Chang‑Liang, township leader Lin Hsien‑ting, Puzih City Mayor Wu Pin‑jui and several local councilors attended the ribbon‑cutting on the 25th.

The project received NT$500,000 per house from the Agriculture Ministry’s Rural Revitalization Program and ten‑year free use rights from the owners. Volunteers and students from National Chiayi University carried out repairs and interior redesign, adding a tea‑room, reading corner in partnership with the local library, and space for baking classes, youth entrepreneurship workshops and other activities. The initiative highlights Chiayi County’s aging demographics – over 20% of residents are seniors in most townships – and serves as a model for turning idle heritage structures into high‑aged‑friendly community assets.