Northeast China once led the way in national industrial development. Today, it has a high degree of urbanization. But the region faces the challenge of an aging population. Officials have been forced to think outside the box to deal with the issue. Our reporter Guo Tianqi joins Li Mengjiao, a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, or CPPCC on a visit to a residential community embracing a senior-friendly transformation. 

This is not a professional team, but a choir of retired people from the local community. Li Mengjiao, National Committee member for China's top political advisory body, is about to visit Beijing for its annual meeting. She's come to this community to gather suggestions.

LI MENGJIAO, Member, National Committee Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference "When singing, I feel especially relaxed and excited. I might join such a choir when I retire. The government should increase investment in infrastructure in the residential community to provide senior citizens with abundant space for recreational activities."

There are a number of free courses suitable for seniors in this community, such as calligraphy and paper cutting.The community canteen is built just downstairs in the residential buildings. Spending only 8 yuan, about 1 US dollar, locals can enjoy a nutritious lunch featuring five dishes and a soup.

"I'm 93 years old this year. Eating at this canteen means I don't have to cook by myself. It's very convenient. Today's lunch has vegetables, eggs, meat and fish. It's delicious."

Northeast China is the nation's old industrial base. It once drove national industrial development. But due to transformations in industry, technology and the economy, combined with exhausted resources, the health of its economy has weakened.

LI MENGJIAO, Member, National Committee Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference "Urbanization in Northeast China started relatively early, so the aging urban infrastructure and the population are urgent problems that need to be solved."

GUO TIANQI, Benxi, Liaoning "Can age-friendly renovations in northeastern communities serve as a reference for the whole country?"

LI MENGJIAO, Member, National Committee Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference "Take Benxi, as an example. The population over 60 years old accounts for 29 percent. In old residential communities like this, the aging rate is between 40 and 50 percent. The experience of age-friendly renovations play a typical and exemplary role for the whole country."

What Northeast China is experiencing today could be the reality other regions face tomorrow. Li Mengjiao's proposal this year involves renovating old residential communities, inspired by the need for seniors to live a dignified life in old age, a future we will all one day have to face. GUO TIANQI, CGTN, Benxi, Liaoning Province.