According to the rules passed in late May by the Standing Committee of the Shanxi Provincial People's Congress, senior citizens in the province will enjoy privileges such as free visits to local parks, museums and museums.

They are also given priority to buy bus, train and ship tickets, and to see a doctor. Rural senior residents are not required to pay for public welfare programs in rural areas.

Legal assistance organizations are required to offer free service to senior citizens who cannot afford legal fees, according to the rules.

Being obedient and respectful to one's parents and elders has long been regarded a virtue in China.

Shanxi's rules add more contents to China's law on safeguarding the rights and interests of senior citizens. For example, the rules stipulate the support of elders by family members, and demand family members provide support payments and necessities to their parents if required. In addition, parents should be visited often.

Shanxi has more than 3.3 million elderly people, who account for more than 10 percent of the population.

(Xinhua News Agency June 22, 2003)