Developing Community-Based Senior Apartment Service Models in Dalian: An International Comparative Perspective

As China confronts the challenges of a rapidly aging population, community-based senior apartments have emerged as an essential component in the transformation of eldercare models. This study investigates the development of such models in Dalian, a key coastal city in Northeast China, through the lens of international comparison. Drawing on practices from Japan, Germany, and the Netherlands, the study analyzes the current features and shortcomings of Dalian's community-based senior apartment services and explores how international experience can be localized to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and integration. Based on qualitative data collected through field research and stakeholder interviews, the study highlights the importance of service integration, professional staffing, and community involvement. It concludes with policy and practice-oriented recommendations for building a resilient, community-centered eldercare model in Dalian.