Ageing in Place in Hong Kong - Teresa Tsien Wong Bik-Kwan

 

 

 

Abstract

With the rapid advancement of medical technology and declining fertility rate, Hong Kong has become the city with the longest life expectancy in the world with women at 86 years and men at 81 in 2012. At present, one of seven Hong Kong people is aged 65 or above. This ratio will rise to one in three in 2041.

Ageing in place has been the cornerstone of aged care policy in Hong Kong. This presentation will discuss the policy and services in Hong Kong to enable the elderly to live at home and in the community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income and ability level. Two essential principles of accommodation and community care will be presented and discussed. Illustrations of different housing models and community services in Hong Kong will be reported.

However, the meaning of ageing in place perceived by older people is far beyond "housing" or "service". They enjoy internal "feel good" through independence, participation, dignity and self-fulfillment through ageing well and actively. As such, active ageing activities in Hong Kong enable the elderly to stay independent, remain healthy, keep fit and more importantly to think positive, will be presented.

The work of the Institute of Active Ageing at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University will be illustrated as a model for the integration of research, education and practice in promoting active ageing in a university setting. Three practice foci including intergenerational lifelong education, volunteer work, skill training and employment matching will be deliberated.

 

About the Speaker - Teresa Tsien Wong Bik-Kwan

Director, Institute of Active Ageing Hong Kong Polytechnic University