Hong Kong’s population is ageing very rapidly.mini storage The recently released consultative paper on population policy indicates that by 2041, about one-third of our population will be aged 65 or above, and our labour force will be shrunk from 58.8 per cent to 49.5 per cent.Measures suggested to tackle these challenges include enhancing the quantity and quality of the labour force, importing talent and labour, encouraging childbearing and building an age-friendly environment.What concerns me most is whether population and related policies can be well integrated to support social and economic growth and foster a harmonious environment for people to live and work in.For example, as older people today are healthier and better educated, postponing the retirement age is suggested. It is noted that many retired people perceive themselves as “useless” or “living without a purpose”, and postponing retirement may help them stay active and positive. To fully address their needs and abilities and avoid hindering career prospects of younger generations, postponing retirement should be considered in parallel with manpower development and career promotion policies.The paper also suggested building an active ageing environment through voluntary services, public transport fare concessions, and improved a迷你倉cessibility to public facilities. These elderly care initiatives are tied in with social welfare, housing and transportation policies. All should be considered as a whole in planning and implementation to effectively help the elderly maintain an active and productive life.For the elderly, medical and long-term care is the chief concern, but is not adequately covered in the paper. A Chinese University study from 2009 to 2012 revealed that about 80 per cent of old people suffer from three to four kinds of chronic diseases. This indicates that medical and long-term care is indispensible for the rapidly ageing population, and so should be planned alongside population and elderly care policies.How to meet such health care needs of our old people, no matter whether they are retiring locally or on the mainland, is a matter worthy of serious consideration. Public opinions, especially those of the elderly and the health care professionals, should be solicited.Population policy, which has a broad coverage and a far-reaching impact on every aspect of our lives, should be well integrated with all related policies to provide a long-term vision to shape the future of our society.Diana Lee, chair professor of nursing and director, The Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong文件倉
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