According to media reports, Li Shurong, an 84-year-old man in Pingdu county, Shandong province, who lives alone, almost starved to death. This shows some grassroots governments have failed to establish a social assistance system to help the elderly.

According to the wubao, or "Five Guarantees" policy, senior or disabled people unable to work and without a source of income should be provided with food, clothing, medical care, housing and burial expenses. At the same time, the minimum living allowance policy should also cover people like Li.

The lack of assistance for Li indicates the failed functioning of the country's established social security and assistance facilities.