On Oct 10th, the government of the SND began a major project for the social system that provides for the aged. Xushuguan Economic-Development Zone, held the opening ceremony for the Yangshan Retirement Residencd project. Yangshan Residence, with 181 beds, will provide¡°three star¡±service to the aged in our district when it is available.

In the square in front of Fengjin residential community, more than 20 elderly women with white hair wore their red uniforms for the opening ceremony. They danced and waved to the sound of their synchronized drumming. Mrs Tang, 62years old, is part of this group. In 2001 she moved with her husband from Zhijin village to the community of Fengzhou Garden. Like many old ladies in the urban district she practices waist drumming on Monday and Wednesday; joins in the activities for retired teachers on Thursday; learns how to cook and care for herself on Thursday and has a computer lesson at the seniors¡¯university on Friday. Mrs. Tang and her husband recently spent 6000 yuan to tour Hongkong and Maco with other five couples. Enjoying this modern lifestyle requires financial resources. Mrs. Yang explained their couples situation to our journalist. The monthly subsidy for losing their own land is 440 yuan. They bought an apartment in addition to the two apartments they received when they relocated; this means they own 3 apartments. The Yangs live in one apartment and rent the others providing a monthly income of 3400 yuan.

The aged are concerned with the economic impact of illness. The Suzhou New District provides all the peasants in this area with cooperative medical insurance. Shichanggen, 68years old, who lives in Yunhe Village in Xushuguan Economic Development Zone, suffered a stroke due to high blood pressure. He was hospitalized for 58 days and had to borrow 20 thousand yuan from his relatives for his expenses. Shichanggen received 11,549.80 yuan compensation from the medical insurance plan. The maximum insurance payment is 50,000 yuan per year for the whole family.