Elders in Chad village of Dinggye county, Xizang autonomous region, had a group birthday celebration on Tuesday, a year after a magnitude-6.8 earthquake upended their community on Jan 7, 2025.

Despite the winter chill outside, a warm and happy scene filled the inside of the village's nursing home. Seniors gathered for a celebration with local ethnic dranyan or Tibetan guitar songs, Tibetan dice games, chatting, and a movie screening. Lunchtime filled the air with the smell of pastries and butter tea.

Basang Dondrub, a village official, said this nursing home provides essentials such as living assistance, healthcare services, and entertainment. "With more young and middle-aged residents of Chad village working away from home, the challenges of supporting left-behind and solitary elderly individuals have become increasingly apparent in recent years," he said.

To address these challenges, the village repurposed unused facilities and sought financial and policy backing from higher authorities.

The nursing home receives funding from the county civil affairs bureau and employs two caregivers who prepare three meals daily. Residents with mobility difficulties are offered meal delivery.

Facilities at the nursing home include a gym, a reading room, and a lounge where seniors can relax. The home also organizes regular activities, such as dancing, chess tournaments, and holiday celebrations.

Gyaltsan, one of the nursing home's residents, praised the facility. "Elders can receive medical checkups, including regular blood pressure monitoring, and enjoy a variety of leisure activities, such as dice games, movies, and even massages," said the 79-year-old.