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.