Beijing's civil affairs authority says related government departments are trying to provide favorable policies for senior citizens who do not have a hukou, or residence certificate, for Beijing.

An article in the Beijing News notes that many seniors have relocated to Beijing to live with their children who have settled here, but they cannot receive the local discounts and free entrances to attractions to which they should be entitled.

In many cities, people 60 years of age or older can take public transportation or visit parks at no charge if they have a local hukou. Local governments always issue various discounted tickets and passes for them for various attractions. But if the seniors move to another city, they can no longer enjoy such privileges without a local residency permit.

The article suggests that local governments cancel the various discount cards and passes they issue to seniors and accept only their national identity cards instead so that they can receive the same privileges. Senior citizens only would have to show their identity cards for free public transportation and free entrance to parks in all cities.

The article says this not only would be more convenient, but also would reduce the costs of making various preferential cards.

The article also points out that it is a tradition in China to respect senioer citizens. But the various standards in different parts of the country have failed to make it convenient for them to receive discounts they are entitled. The various standards also have not conformed to the mass migratory movements to large cities.