Changhua County Enhances Elder Happiness Card: New Point Redemption at National Sports Centers and Agricultural/Fisheries Cooperatives

To better support seniors and people with disabilities in Changhua County, the county government held a press conference titled "One Card, Happiness in Changhua—Enhancing the Elder Happiness Card" on the morning of the 23rd at the county hall courtyard. County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei announced that, with gratitude to the speaker and all council members for their budget support, the county government is progressively expanding welfare benefits under the Elder Happiness Card while maintaining fiscal stability. Starting August 1, users can redeem up to 50 points per visit at National Sports Centers. From October 1, cardholders can use points to offset purchases at contracted agricultural and fisheries cooperatives, with a monthly cap of 200 points, offering more comprehensive and life-integrated welfare services.

Magistrate Wang emphasized the county’s active planning of sports centers. Currently, centers in Changbei, Yuanlin, and Hemei are operational, with Lukang expected to complete by year-end. Construction is also underway in Erlin, Beidou, Tianzhong, and Xihu, with all eight regional sports hubs projected to be completed within two years, providing high-quality exercise environments for residents. Previously, discounted access was limited to public hours (8–10 a.m. and 2–4 p.m.), but now Elder Card holders can use the facilities at any time—50 points per swim session and 30 points per fitness center visit during regular hours.

Wang also highlighted Changhua’s high-quality agricultural and fishery products, noting that the new point redemption at all township agricultural and fisheries cooperatives (up to 200 points monthly) aims to make shopping more accessible for seniors. She encouraged cooperatives to redesign packaging and product layouts to enhance perceived value and create a win-win situation for both consumers and producers.

Speaker Hsieh Dian-lin expressed strong council support for the initiative, stating it encourages seniors to stay active and urges them to fully utilize the benefits. Lu Pei-chen, Director-General of Changhua County Farmers’ Association, thanked the county administration, calling local cooperatives “good neighbors” committed to quality service. Chen Wei-gu, Director-General of Changhua City Fisheries Association, welcomed seniors to use the card at fisheries outlets.

The Department of Social Affairs noted that Changhua has entered a super-aged society, making health promotion and social inclusion key policy goals. The expanded sports and consumption subsidies aim to encourage seniors and disabled individuals to engage in outdoor activities, exercise regularly, purchase local produce, and participate in community events—enhancing quality of life and well-being. The county continues to build a “Beautiful Changhua, City of Hope” that is healthy, vibrant, and inclusive.

The Elder Happiness Card already offers eight major services—transportation, healthcare, tourism, sports, and consumption—and continues advancing toward the goal of “one card, multiple functions, greater convenience,” allowing seniors and disabled individuals to truly experience “happiness at hand.”