Small blue flowers bring community together

Qian Wenwei wears a blue flower badge. [Photo/Yongpai app]

A 95-year-old bakery assistant, a flower shop manager in her 80s, and a neighborhood symbol of patience toward people with dementia are helping reshape how a Ningbo community supports its aging population.

In Lianhua Community, a neighborhood in Ningbo's Zhenhai district, a small blue flower has become the public face of a dementia-friendly initiative that reaches far beyond traditional eldercare services.

The community is home to more than 11,000 residents, nearly one-third of whom are over 60. More than 300 residents are living with dementia or related cognitive conditions. Local surveys show that most older residents prefer to remain in familiar surroundings rather than move into institutional care, even as their support needs increase.

Instead of focusing solely on care facilities, the community has adopted a broader approach. The blue flower symbol now appears on storefronts, park signs, volunteer uniforms, and badges worn by seniors. It serves as a gentle reminder that some neighbors may need a little extra time, understanding or assistance.

More than a dozen local businesses have joined the initiative, including bakeries, flower shops, and activity centers. These venues host community programs, raise awareness about dementia, and create opportunities for older residents to stay socially connected and engaged.

Among them is 82-year-old Jin Guiyun, who spends her mornings helping at a flower shop, learning new skills alongside younger staff. Another resident, 95-year-old Qian Wenwei, works at a neighborhood bakery, greeting customers and handling simple tasks.

The community also partners with professional care providers to offer cognitive training, rehabilitation programs, and support services for families. Since 2022, hundreds of activities have been organized for seniors and caregivers.

Today, more than 300 volunteers are involved in the initiative, many of them relatives of people living with dementia. For residents here, the goal is not simply to care for people with dementia, but to ensure they remain a part of everyday community life.