Responding to the demographic shift, the government would invest NT$6.25 billion from its special resilience budget so that local governments can expand support for seniors living alone, the ministry said, adding that it would supervise the funding. Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee, center, speaks while Ministry of Health and Welfare officials attend a meeting at the Executive Yuan in Taipei today. Photo: Chung Li-hua, Taipei TimesStarting this year, local governments would interview seniors living alone to understand their living conditions and requirements, providing care, meals, emergency rescue assistance and other services as needed, the ministry said. About 700,000 people would be interviewed over the next two years and about 350,000 are expected to require support, it added. By combining technology with community support, it hopes to provide timely services to every senior citizen in need, it added.

Source: Taipei Times March 19, 2026 09:36 UTC