Time bank established in Ningbo

A woman receives "time points", which can be redeemed for daily necessities and services, after doing volunteer works at the Shounan Street Home-based Elderly Care Service Center in Ningbo on Nov 10. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

A project was recently launched in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province to encourage healthy senior citizens to join in volunteer efforts to care for the elderly.

A group of elderly people lined up to receive "time points" at the Shounan Street Home-based Elderly Care Service Center in Ningbo's Yinzhou district on Nov 10.

The center has been piloting a project entitled "Time Bank", in which the elderly can do volunteer work in the center to collect "time points", which can then be redeemed for daily necessities and services.

An elderly man surnamed Ding, who used to be a doctor, is now a volunteer at the center, offering healthcare services such as taking blood pressure.

"I fill my days by helping others, and it's great that I can use the points I've collected for other elderly care services in the future."

A woman surnamed Zheng is also a volunteer. She offers free weekly haircut services to the seniors.

Like Ding and Zheng, many elderly residents have joined in the efforts and established volunteer teams. They can communicate with their peers more easily than younger volunteers.