The agricultural township's residents who are over 60 simply need to scan their national ID cards and pass a few quick health tests, such as for blood pressure and body-mass index. Then they can create crafts and calligraphy, watch films or rest on mechanical massage beds while listening to music — all at no cost.

Such senior centers stand among the social programs the city has introduced as its GDP has soared to match that of a western province. It was 220 billion yuan ($34.6 billion) last year.

There's also a kids' playroom since many grandparents watch their grandchildren while their children work.

The home also hosts lectures to teach the elderly how to take care of themselves. Police and banks stage sessions to educate them about fraud, since many scammers prey upon senior citizens.

At 2,900 sq m, the center, which cost 20 million yuan ($3 million), is the largest of three in the town. The others are about 1,000 sq m.

More than 31,000 of Jinfeng's 120,000 residents are over 60. They enjoy most of the centers' amenities for free. The rest are heavily subsidized.

Massage chairs, for instance, cost 1 yuan for 10 minutes. Haircuts are just several yuan. Nurses will help elderly visitors shower for 3 to 5 yuan.

A laundry service washes clothes for a few yuan per article.

Much of the investment has gone into technology.

Exercise chairs log personal data such as how many repetitions a user has done and whether that number is increasing or decreasing over time.

There are various mechanized massage machines — chairs, beds and foot-reflexology devices that emulate the sensation of immersing one's feet in hot water.

The center also offers free access to iDong remote-sensor game consoles. Seniors can, for instance, hack at digital fruit with their hands — no controller necessary — or play table tennis with a paddle containing a sensor.