Elderly Care Services in Remote Areas Project

Grandma Xiumei has been coming to Eden’s day care center since 2020. She spent her early years in Kaohsiung, and with her husband often away for work, she bravely moved north with their eight children to build a better life, raising them all with love and dedication. Just as she thought she could finally enjoy a peaceful and relaxing life, tragedy struck: three of her sons passed away, and a few years ago, her husband also passed away after a long illness. Today, she lives with her daughter, son-in-law, and her daughter-in-law’s mother.

Grandma Xiumei has joined the day care center more than once. In the beginning, she attended together with her husband. When he fell ill, they both paused their participation. After his passing, even though her daughter hired a foreign caregiver to help with household care, Grandma Xiumei preferred to stay active. She often says, “It’s still more fun to come to class!” She reapplied last year because the center offers so many different courses, friends to chat with, and teachers who care warmly for everyone. Each day at the center is lively, social, and fulfilling for her.

Despite living with hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, and poor vision in both eyes—having even had cataract surgery and a pacemaker implanted last year—Grandma Xiumei remains eager to participate. Even simple movements like raising her arms or kicking her legs bring her joy. Her positive attitude, regular routine, and the support from her family have helped her maintain her long-term care level at 3 since enrollment, showing that an active lifestyle and social engagement can greatly slow the effects of aging.