By 2046, an estimated 36 per cent of Hong Kong’s inhabitants will be over 65. The Hong Kong authorities has announced 30 measures to promote the silver economy. Whereas focusing on the consumption energy of the aged could present a much-needed increase to the economic system, it’s removed from an answer to the mounting challenges posed by our quickly ageing society.
As a carer for 2 wheelchair-bound dad and mom, I face day by day struggles that underscore the pressing want for a extra complete strategy to ageing. These struggles usually are not distinctive to me however replicate systemic gaps that demand quick consideration. Different cities and international locations have tackled these points with foresight and innovation, and Hong Kong has a lot to be taught from their successes.
Hong Kong is way from being a wheelchair-friendly city. Stairways, kerbs and slim pathways make navigating urban spaces a day by day ordeal for these with mobility challenges and their carers.
Singapore, in contrast, was recognised as considered one of 10 most accessible cities on the earth in a 2022 journey survey. In comparison with Hong Kong’s barrier-free entry handbook, Singapore’s barrier-free accessibility code appears to put a stronger emphasis on common design ideas, seamless connectivity between indoor and outside areas, and the incorporation of assistive applied sciences as a part of its sensible metropolis initiatives.
In Hong Kong, the well being system additionally poses important limitations. Aged individuals usually require common medical appointments for power situations, however they face a stark alternative between costly non-public care and lengthy waits for public companies. Exterior common clinic hours, the one choice for most individuals is the overcrowded accident and emergency departments of public hospitals.
Aged sufferers on the Accident and Emergency Division of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei throughout a flu alert on January 11. Picture: Nora Tam
Hong Kong must embrace teleconsultations at scale to enhance healthcare accessibility. In Asia, Singapore has mainstreamed telehealth in each private and non-private healthcare techniques.
