'Grid system' helps ensure well-being of elderly residents (3)

The reporters were invited to the community by the media center of the 18th National Congress of the CPC.

This service for the elderly is only one of the 68 services the community provides. Residents there can go to the Internet or micro blogs about the Dongzhimen sub district — which has 34 grids, including the two in the Qingshuiyuan community — to obtain information about the social services available to them.

In 2010, Dongcheng district introduced a trial program for the urban grid system, concentrating on social services. Its exploration of urban grid management started in 2004.

Many other cities in China have learned from its successful experiences, Zhang Jinlin, a Beijing government publicity official, said on Sunday.

The Qingshuiyuan community applied the system in 2011, Song said.

Song said the arrival of university graduates to the community office has helped make the social work more innovative. Through a short period of training, these newcomers can quickly learn to use the wireless terminal and online platform.