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Welfare Programs for Seniors
Since the elderly form a vital part of society, the government naturally
must work to constantly improve their welfare starting by implementing
wide-ranging policies covering everything from improving their daily
lives to providing adequate health insurance.
Measures to improve the lives of the elderly in
Taiwan include everything from providing discounted bus fares and free
bifocals at public occasions to offering
home health care for seniors.
In response to the aging of Taiwan society, the
government is promoting senior subsidies, annuities, rest homes, and other
programs. Monthly subsidies of several-thousand New Taiwan Dollars are given
to unemployed or low-income seniors to provide for the basic necessities of
life such as food and clothing. Annuities are an integrated plan based on
the idea of storing a nest egg while young for one's older years. Senior
centers are also provided by social service offices to elderly people who
are without family. These centers offer shelter and recreation spaces for
meeting "old friends" and insure that the elderly receive the secure housing
and care they need.

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