Du Youyi, a 101-year-old living in Baipu town, Rugao. [Photo/yangtse.com]

The number of centenarians in Rugao had reached 525 by Jan 1, a record high, according to statistics from the local civil affairs bureau released on Jan 15.

The bureau also revealed that there are 16 centenarians aged 105 or above in the city, with the oldest being 109-year-old Zong Xushi, who lives in Xiezhuang community, Baipu town.

Rugao has made a name for itself as a city of longevity. It currently has a permanent population of 1.4 million, with 68,031 aged 80 and above, of which 10,150 are aged 90 and above. Its aging population is much larger than the country's average.

In recent years, the local government has taken a number of measures to help improve the quality of life of seniors, including issuing 52.94 million yuan ($7.67 million) in subsidies in 2020.

Starting Jan 1, Rugao has adjusted the subsidies for people aged above 100, with those for people aged between 100 and 104 increasing from 360 yuan per person per month to 500 yuan per person per month, while those for people aged 105 and above increasing from 420 yuan per person per month to 650 yuan per person per month.

In addition, the city has spent nearly 6 million yuan to improve senior care services and upgrade related facilities in communities. To date, senior care service centers in communities and villages have benefited more than 105,000 seniors, accounting for 27 percent of the total aging population.