1. Introduction
Aging population is one of the most rampant social problems in Hong Kong and the median age for citizens is still rising from 42.8 in 2014 to 51.0 in 2064, yet statistics showed that the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is predicted to increase from 15% in 2014 to 33% in 2064 (Census and Statistics Department, 2015). Nevertheless, due to the improvement of the quality of life and advancements in the medical field, people have longer life expectancy, then the number of surviving old people increased significantly in the past century (Blagosklonny, 2010). Previous research has revealed that aging population is exacerbating and therefore policies are urged to carry out in order to ease the problem.
‘Aging in Place’, …show more content…
According to Kraus (2004), ‘Aging in Place’ can provide a more comfortable shelter for seniors to live when they are aging by giving them family and social support. It gives the opportunity for the senior citizens to interact with neighbours, relatives and friends with similar background. More importantly, they can enjoy family time with their children or even grandchildren .Hence, they can remain in the society and create a social network of their own. Since ‘Aging in Place’ can accommodate the older people in their own house when they age, it can fulfil their desire to live in a familiar environment for their retirement (Hong Kong Housing Society, n.d.). In consideration of place attachment, aging in place can build the emotional bonding to the nearby environment and contribute to both physical and psychological well-being for the elder people (Taylor, 2001). Apart from that, the aged citizens can enjoy some degree of independence and privacy and they can rely less on community services (Kraus, 2004). In fact, many retired people still maintain good physical condition when they are aging. They are able to do most of the housework on their own. ‘Aging in Place’ can allow them to continue to live independently without other’s help. Privacy is also another major factor for the seniors to have ‘Aging in Place’. Take some …show more content…
The most medical and daily expenses can be supported by the older people and their family members after the implementation of ‘Aging in Place (Stephens, 2016). The senior citizens can have more choices for their medical treatments and it is hopeful that the reliance on using resources of the public hospitals can be declined. In the latest Policy Address (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, 2017), the chief executive suggested that the effective way to reduce the stress on public hospitals is to increase the capability of home care. Home caring is the major core of ‘Aging in Place’ and the policy is likely to relieve the financial burden on the medical services if ‘Aging in Place’ can widely spread in the society. The financial aids to support the healthcare system can also be placed on other social issues including poverty alleviation and housing problems. Though the efficient use of public resources, a harmonious community is more likely to be
Aging population is one of the most rampant social problems in Hong Kong and the median age for citizens is still rising from 42.8 in 2014 to 51.0 in 2064, yet statistics showed that the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is predicted to increase from 15% in 2014 to 33% in 2064 (Census and Statistics Department, 2015). Nevertheless, due to the improvement of the quality of life and advancements in the medical field, people have longer life expectancy, then the number of surviving old people increased significantly in the past century (Blagosklonny, 2010). Previous research has revealed that aging population is exacerbating and therefore policies are urged to carry out in order to ease the problem.
‘Aging in Place’, …show more content…
According to Kraus (2004), ‘Aging in Place’ can provide a more comfortable shelter for seniors to live when they are aging by giving them family and social support. It gives the opportunity for the senior citizens to interact with neighbours, relatives and friends with similar background. More importantly, they can enjoy family time with their children or even grandchildren .Hence, they can remain in the society and create a social network of their own. Since ‘Aging in Place’ can accommodate the older people in their own house when they age, it can fulfil their desire to live in a familiar environment for their retirement (Hong Kong Housing Society, n.d.). In consideration of place attachment, aging in place can build the emotional bonding to the nearby environment and contribute to both physical and psychological well-being for the elder people (Taylor, 2001). Apart from that, the aged citizens can enjoy some degree of independence and privacy and they can rely less on community services (Kraus, 2004). In fact, many retired people still maintain good physical condition when they are aging. They are able to do most of the housework on their own. ‘Aging in Place’ can allow them to continue to live independently without other’s help. Privacy is also another major factor for the seniors to have ‘Aging in Place’. Take some …show more content…
The most medical and daily expenses can be supported by the older people and their family members after the implementation of ‘Aging in Place (Stephens, 2016). The senior citizens can have more choices for their medical treatments and it is hopeful that the reliance on using resources of the public hospitals can be declined. In the latest Policy Address (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, 2017), the chief executive suggested that the effective way to reduce the stress on public hospitals is to increase the capability of home care. Home caring is the major core of ‘Aging in Place’ and the policy is likely to relieve the financial burden on the medical services if ‘Aging in Place’ can widely spread in the society. The financial aids to support the healthcare system can also be placed on other social issues including poverty alleviation and housing problems. Though the efficient use of public resources, a harmonious community is more likely to be